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Each September, the glittering shores of the French Riviera welcome one of the most distinguished gatherings in the luxury maritime world: the Cannes Yachting Festival. More than just a boat show, it is a showcase of innovation, craftsmanship, and the lifestyle that surrounds the world’s finest yachts. For those with a passion for life at sea – and for the culture that surrounds it – this festival represents a highlight of the European luxury calendar.
A Tradition of Excellence
First staged in 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival has grown into the largest in-water yacht show in Europe and remains the opening event of the Mediterranean yachting season. It has become the stage for world premieres and exclusive unveilings, where shipyards, designers, and owners come together to celebrate their shared passion. Beyond its scale, what makes the festival truly remarkable is its setting: Cannes, a name synonymous with glamour, cinematic allure, and Riviera elegance.
What to Expect on the Waterfront
The festival stretches across two iconic harbours. At Vieux Port, visitors discover a dazzling array of motor yachts, superyachts, and tenders, each reflecting the pinnacle of design and technology. Across the bay at Port Canto, the focus turns to sailing yachts, brokerage listings, and the innovative “Green Route” dedicated to sustainable marine solutions.
This split creates an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is impressive, whether you’re stepping aboard a newly launched 50-metre superyacht or admiring the sleek lines of a sailing yacht designed for pure freedom on the water. For many, the true highlight lies in the opportunity to enjoy private sea trials, where vessels can be experienced as they were meant to be: gliding along the Côte d’Azur.
Experiences Tailored for the Few
As with all prestigious gatherings, the Cannes Yachting Festival is designed with exclusivity in mind. VIP programmes offer privileged access to private lounges, priority embarkation for sea trials, and discreet transfers by courtesy car or tender. Evenings often bring intimate cocktail receptions and yacht parties hosted by shipyards, where the guest list is carefully curated.
The festival is also about lifestyle beyond the yachts. Luxury brands from fine watchmakers to private aviation companies exhibit alongside the vessels, reinforcing the wider world of refined living. Champagne lounges, pop-up dining concepts, and curated art displays ensure that the experience is as rich on land as it is at sea.
Arriving in Style
Part of the allure of Cannes lies in how you arrive. Many visitors choose private helicopter transfers from Nice, a journey that takes less than 10 minutes, or direct tender arrivals from their anchored yachts. For those staying in the city, accommodation options include Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, the recently restored Carlton Cannes, and, for ultimate seclusion, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. Dining is no less exceptional, with tables at La Palme d’Or or an evening at Bâoli ensuring your festival experience flows seamlessly into the Riviera’s renowned social scene.
Beyond the Festival
The yachting season does not end in Cannes. Many attendees extend their stay to explore neighbouring icons: the glamour of Monaco, the charm of St. Tropez, and the maritime heritage of Antibes. Private yacht charters along the Côte d’Azur, vineyard visits in Provence, or a coastal drive in a supercar make the festival the starting point for a Riviera escape rather than a stand-alone event.
A Celebration of Yachting Lifestyle
The Cannes Yachting Festival is not simply about yachts – it is about a way of life. It embodies a world where craftsmanship meets innovation, where glamour is paired with discretion, and where the spirit of the sea is celebrated against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most coveted coastlines. For those who live for the elegance of the yachting lifestyle, it is an event not to be missed.
