The beautiful setting of the French Riviera will once again host the luxury and the glamour of the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2019 as another glittering selection of yachts grace the elegant resort town.
The show, which has earned the status of Europe’s leading in-water boating event, will see another huge selection of vessels on display at the two ports of Port Canto and Vieux Port.
Running from 10 to 15 September there are expected to be around 550 boats on display, including catamarans, tenders, sailing yachts and some 150 motor yachts and superyachts for sale, which will include many being seen for the first time.
New for 2019 will be the opening of a dedicated sailing area, bringing together a huge range of monohulls and multihulls all in one setting.
With representatives from shipyards and brokers aplenty on hand to answer your questions and give tours and trials this looks again like being the place to go if you want to buy or charter a yacht.
What can I expect at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2019?
More than 50,000 visitors are expected for what will be the 42nd edition of the festival.
As the first show in the boating season all of the major players from the yachting world will be here showcasing their latest designs, ideas and innovations. In excess of 500 exhibitors are expected to line the ports over the six days of the show.
Superyachts and Motorboats
The show’s two venues - Port Canto and Vieux Port - will be home to a wide selection of brand new and used superyachts. More than 150 boats over 20 meters will be on show.
Vieux Port is one of the oldest harbours on the French Riviera and this grandiose setting is where you can find the superyacht extension of the show, dedicated entirely to boats up to 55 meters long. Brokers and shipyards will be available to speak to if you see anything that really catches your eye.
Just down from the Superyacht Extension you can find La Jetée which holds even more yachts and superyachts up to 45 meters in length and from there you are just a short stroll to La Pantiero with its range of smaller upmarket motorboats upto 34 meters and the adjacent Quai Saint-Pierre, with sailing and motorboats up to 25 meters on display.
A big part of Port Canto is dedicated entirely to large second-hand yachts, with around 50 expected to be on show this year.
It is a great place to meet broker and charter companies to speak to them about some of these luxurious superyachts and get a flavor of what it would be like to own one by stepping on board.
If you are considering making a purchase then the expertise and passion on offer here will help you make an informed decision.
Sailing boats
Brand new this year is the Port Canto Sailing Area, which will host 120 new sailing boats, both monohulls and multihulls from 10 meters in length.
Over 80 exhibitors are expected and it looks set to be the largest in-water exhibition of large sailing boats and a haven for sailing enthusiasts and buyers.
Meet the biggest names in luxury yachts
Located right near the entrance to Vieux Port is the Palais Des Festivals and this festival centre is the place to find the biggest names in luxury yachts. From shipyards to architects and designers to service companies they will all be here for you to speak to.
Just outside the festival centre are all the latest innovations in tenders and toys
Discover luxury brands
In 2016 the festival introduced an area dedicated purely to luxury, craft and lifestyle brands. Set inside the Palais Des Festivals find some exceptional products here. Whether it be watches, jewellery, furniture, design, tech or more, you will be dazzled by some of the luxurious offerings.
Concours d'Élégance
The Concours d'Élégance is a parade of motor boats and day boats less than 12 metres long that takes place each year at the festival. It pays tribute to the history of yachting in the French Riviera and is an opportunity to see some fantastic vintage and modern day boats on show.
Toys area
Also new for 2019 is a dedicated area for toys at Port Canto. Expect to see everything from longboards to jet skis here.
Getting around
The festival is hosted at the Vieux Port and Port Canto.
Getting between the two sites is extremely easy - they are linked by sea and bus shuttles that depart every 15 minutes.
The bus shuttle service runs from the front of the Palais des Festival to the front entrance of Port Canto.
To access either of the shuttle services visitors just need to show their tickets.
Tickets
Tickets for the show go on sale in May with a range of options available.
There are two extra ticket options. The Riviera Card covers two people and is valid for six days. It offers use of the VIP entrances and gives access to VIP clubs and exhibited yachts. It also covers a transfer by helicopter from the airport to the show, a guided tour of the show on boat and more.
The other option is the VIP card, which is valid for one, two or six days for two people. This includes use of the VIP entrances, access to the VIP clubs, use of courtesy cars, a sea shuttle service and use of the concierge services.
Location
Set in the heart of the French Riviera the Cannes Yachting Festival is easily accessible via a number of transport methods.
The Nice Côte d'Azur International is around 25km from the Bay of Cannes, and it welcomes flights from across the globe.
There are bus and train links from the airport to Cannes and numerous taxis. The transport time is around 30 to 50 minutes. A helicopter link from the airport to the show is also available, the journey takes seven minutes.
Chauffeured vehicles can be hired and, if you are driving, Port Canto has numerous parking spaces.
Hints and tips
Booking your accommodation up well in advance of the festival is a must. As you can imagine it becomes very busy.
There are plenty of accommodation options available. The most famous part is overlooking La Croisette - the promenade that stretches along the sea front and is also the heart of the designer shopping area. This is where you will find the vast majority of big name hotels.
A great selection of bars and restaurants can be found in Cannes Old Town, called Le Suquet and located just above the port.
A little further afield, but still within easy reach of the show are the hilltop villages of Mougins and Grasse, with a number of boutique hotels and beautiful, winding lanes.
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