The six-day Cannes Yachting Festival traditionally marks the start of the yachting season, featuring numerous global debuts. Around one-third of the showcased yachts, boats, and tenders make their first-ever appearances at this prestigious event.
The yachting and boating festival has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1977. Originally known as the "Festival de la Plaisance," the event was initially held in the old port of Cannes and focused primarily on sailing boats.
Over the years, it has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious boat show events, attracting industry professionals, yacht enthusiasts, and luxury brands from around the globe. Each year, more than 55,000 visitors converge on the two marinas that host the show, Port Canto and Vieux Port.
What to Expect at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Visitors to the Cannes Yachting Festival can expect to experience Europe's largest on-water boat show. The show serves as a platform for premiering new yacht models, and debuting cutting-edge technologies, and is a good balance between power, motor, and sail.
Some of the world's biggest yachts can attend the Cannes Yachting Festival.
- An eclectic mix of tenders, toys, powerboats, motorboats, and sailing yachts.
- From sailing and motor to monohull and multihull, rigid or semi-rigid.
- Almost 700 yachts are available for viewing.
- 5.6 km of waterside.
- Over 600 exhibitors.
- Almost 200 world premieres, European debuts or unique showcases.
There are plenty of opportunities to experience a slice of the premium yachting lifestyle as well as have the chance to connect with builders, designers and yacht brokers who unveil their latest models, ideas and innovations throughout the show.
With its picturesque setting on the French Riviera and impressive display of luxury yachts, the Festival remains a highlight of the yachting calendar, taking place in early September and spanning six days from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Show Layout
At the Cannes Yachting Festival, the layout ensures a comprehensive experience, with each area offering unique attractions.
Vieux Port
One of the oldest harbors on the French Riviera, the iconic Vieux Port provides a picturesque setting for the superyacht extension of the show.
The Vieux Port is the primary venue for the festival, showcasing a diverse selection of luxury yachts, boats, and tenders. Visitors can discover the latest models and innovations from leading yacht builders and designers along the quayside.
- Jetée - a prime location dedicated to showcasing large motor yachts and superyachts.
- Palais des Festivals - the key venue for viewing luxury yacht exhibitors, and marine equipment displays.
- Pantiero - home to smaller luxury motorboats between 10 and 34 meters.
- Quai Max Laubeuf - features an extensive display of motorboats, powerboats, and multihulls.
- Quai Saint Pierre - a key area for showcasing luxury motor yachts.
- Superyacht Extension - the showcase for the largest and most luxurious superyachts.
Port Canto
Across the bay, Port Canto is dedicated to pre-owned yachts available for sale and charter, showcasing yachts up to 65 meters in length.
With around 400 linear meters of quayside for monohulls and 450 meters for multihulls, visitors can expect to see over 100 sailing yachts at this location.
- Sailing Yachts - the number one fleet in the world for large sailing yachts, with almost 120 new sailing yachts, monohulls, and multihulls, up to 30m.
- Yacht Brokerage - a selection of almost 50 pre-owned yachts up to 50m.
- Water Toys - a highlight of the show area, presenting the latest water toys and gadgets.
- Powerboats ≤ 12m - one of the largest selections of powerboats in the water.
Concours d'Élegance
The wonderful parade Concours d'Élegance offers a chance to see vintage and modern boats, celebrating the rich history of yachting in the heart of the French Riviera. Open to boats less than 12 meters, this event showcases elegant designs and craftsmanship.
Tickets and Access
Visitor tickets are available from €39 and upwards, with offers on multi-day passes.
For VIP visitors, expect to pay upwards of €315 for a day pass for two people.
VIP tickets provide access to a range of concierge services, including a courtesy car service, VIP entrances, access to the VIP clubs at both Vieux Port and Port Canto, and VIP water shuttle boats between the two ports.
The most exclusive ticket is Platinum, offering benefits such as priority access to official show cars, helicopter transfers, access to superyachts (arranged through the concierge service), an exclusive guided tour of the show by boat, and lunch at the Panoramic or Skipper restaurant.
To promote environmental responsibility, tickets are e-tickets and can be secured online before the event.
Yachts on Show
The Cannes Yachting Festival showcases a diverse array of yachts each year, ranging from sleek motor yachts and luxurious superyachts to elegant sailing yachts and innovative multihulls. Attendees can explore vessels of various sizes, styles, and designs, with options available for every taste and preference.
Yachts that have premiered in Cannes include the Mangusta GranSport 45 and 54, Azimut Grande Trideck, and Sanlorenzo SD118 and SD126. Sunseeker introduced the 100 Yacht, Pearl debuted the Pearl 95, and the WallyWHY200 wowed the crowds with its world debut.
Cannes is also a popular platform for European debuts. Grand Banks showcased the 85, Riva presented the 102 Corsaro Super, and Gulf Craft unveiled the Nomad 95 SUV and Majesty 100.
Yachts previewed at the Cannes Yachting Festival include the Sanlorenzo SP110 and Mangusta 104 REV.
Cannes Yachting Festival Highlights
The Concours d’Elégance at the Cannes Yachting Festival celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage and modern yachts. The event includes a parade of restored classic yachts and modern vessels, showcasing unique designs along the picturesque coastline. Expert judges evaluate the yachts based on design, restoration quality, originality, and elegance, with awards given in various categories.
Participants and attendees dress in elegant, period-appropriate attire, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.
The Palais des Festivals, located just beyond the main entrance, overlooks the Jetée where large boats are displayed in the water. Inside, it hosts key players in high-end yachting, featuring brands specializing in yachting and related environments. These exhibitors present their nautical products, services, and latest innovations.
Introduced in 2016, the Luxury Gallery inside the Palais des Festivals is dedicated to luxury brands, including watchmaking, jewelry, spirits, fashion, design, art, tech products, and more. This area offers the perfect opportunity to pick up the latest innovative gadgets and premium merchandise.
Tenders and Toys
At Port Canto, the spotlight shines on a dazzling array of nautical toys, beachside luxuries, and cutting-edge yacht accessories.
The Tenders and Toys section of the show is dedicated to all the latest gadgets from SEABOBs and jet skis to submarines and tenders – this area is hugely popular and a real highlight of the show.
Hospitality
The Cannes Yachting Festival offers a variety of hospitality options, including VIP clubs at Vieux Port and Port Canto, fine dining restaurants, and casual eateries. VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to private lounges.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of food and refreshments across various locations:
Panoramic Restaurant: Situated on the roof of the Palais des Festivals, this bistronomic catering area offers a unique view of the prestigious yachts exhibited in Vieux Port, the Suquet Old Quarter, and the Bay of Cannes. Open to all visitors and exhibitors.
Yachting Café: Located next to the main entrance of the show on the Croisette side of the Old Port, this high-end catering and snacking area is open to all visitors and exhibitors.
Food Truck Village: Found at Quai Max Laubeuf, this area offers takeaway options such as sandwiches, salads, and Mediterranean specialties.
Pantiero: Pop-up cafes and relaxed cafe-style eateries are available, providing additional dining options for visitors.
How to Get Around at the Show
Navigating the Cannes Yachting Festival is convenient and straightforward. The event spans two main locations: Vieux Port and Port Canto. Free shuttle boats and buses run between these sites, ensuring easy access.
VIP ticket holders enjoy additional perks such as courtesy car services and VIP water shuttles.
On foot, attendees can explore the extensive waterside paths connecting various exhibits and attractions.
Plan ahead, and use the festival’s maps and schedules for a smooth experience.
To make the most of the latest edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival, start planning your visit by viewing all the available new and used yachts for sale.
Show Premiere
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World Debut 
European Debut
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