What to expect at Cannes Yachting Festival 2023

La Croisette prepares to welcome the return of the iconic Cannes Yachting Festival, along with some of the most captivating new yachts for sale.

Just four weeks until the latest edition opens its doors, this year's Cannes Yachting Festival (YCF) promises a showcase of glistening motor yachts and sailing boats, plus a host of curated exhibitors around the docks. 

Now embarking on its 46th edition, the dual sites of Vieux Port and Port Canto are set to welcome a great selection of around 650 models, with 123 global debuts scheduled.

As the first major European event of the annual yachting calendar, it comes as no surprise that many of the biggest names in the industry choose this particular platform to showcase their newest models for the forthcoming season. Names who regularly attend Cannes include Sunseeker, Azimut, Princess, Mangusta and Palumbo Superyachts.

Vieux Port and Port Canto

Lines of motor yachts berthed in Vieux Port, Cannes.

Divided between two marinas, the CYF has a clean-cut and easy-to-navigate show plan with all niches being given their own dedicated space. 

Vieux Port is the busiest of the two locations, sporting the iconic display of motor yachts. Covering multiple styles like flybridge yachts, trawlers, classic-style yachts, and superyachts, this exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to get up close to all the models attending the show as well as chances to book sea trials and obtain invaluable advice from representatives.

New for 2023, the Vieux Port offering will also include a small boats exhibit at the heart of the marina. Featuring a selection of more than 50 models ranging from 8 to 12 metres, this exhibit was previously situated on the Quai Max Laubeuf but has now been moved to allow more visitors to access the biggest arrangement of models as possible.

Overview of Port Canto in Cannes, many sailing boats berthed.

For visitors wanting to enjoy the tranquil scene of sailing boats, Port Canto hosts one of the largest displays of sailing boats of any yacht show in the world. Displaying over 100 boats, this area has become a fundamental element of the show's ongoing program to provide a diverse selection of boats and yachts.

If you're on the market to buy a pre-loved yacht, Port Canto also hosts a dedicated area for used yachts for sale.

Side attractions of the Cannes Yachting Festival

Overview of the Ferretti exhibitor stand at the Cannes Yachting Festival, with many visitors walking along out the front.

In addition to the plethora of motor yachts and sailing boats around the two ports, the Cannes Yachting Festival also provides a host of enticing attractions that naturally complement the nautical environment.

The Luxury Gallery has long been a firm favourite of the show with an array of premium retailers offering high-quality merchandise, more of which can also be located at the iconic Palais des Festivals.

For visitors who want to learn more about what the future holds the Start-Up Village in Port Canto is a dedicated exhibit to promising start-ups in the nautical sector that showcase breakthrough technologies. 

If you're planning on attending the upcoming event, take a closer look by reading the YachtBuyer guide to the Cannes Yachting Festival. Or view the yachts scheduled to attend by browsing all new and used yachts for sale.