From sailing regattas and sporting fixtures to glitzy film festivals, the Mediterranean plays host to a great many events during the summer cruising season. Here are seven must-see meets best experienced as part of a yacht charter.
Across the Mediterranean, from the dazzling French Riviera to the picturesque waters of Italy, a number of celebrated events take place each summer that are perfectly primed for visiting by superyacht.
Whether hosting a corporate function, competing in a regatta or simply undertaking a summer vacation, there is sure to be an event to suit you and your party.
To ensure you don’t miss out on some of the hottest superyacht fixtures of the year, read our guide to seven events not to miss in the Mediterranean this season and add the dates to your diary.
Kickstarting the Mediterranean season in style is the Cannes Film Festival. In May each year, the French Riviera hotspot becomes a buzzing hub of A-list celebrities and some of the world’s finest superyachts as they gather for one of the film industry’s most prestigious events.
Secure a highly coveted berth along the Jetee Albert Edouard and step straight from your superyacht onto the red carpet for exclusive premieres and glamorous events. Better yet, organise an event charter and the best party in Cannes can be aboard your luxury charter yacht.
Each year, in early June, Port Vauban in Antibes welcomes a legendary fleet of classic yachts for the Les Voiles D’Antibes. Part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the five-day regatta features spectacular racing, on-water parades, cocktail parties and an infectious atmosphere of conviviality.
Preserving the by-gone era of sailing, the 19th century yachts in attendance includes those from the époque, classic and spirit traditions, and charterers can join like-minded enthusiasts to recapture the golden age of yachting by chartering a classic yacht for the event.
Four days of exhilarating racing takes place in Sardinia at the very end of May as part of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. An ever-expanding fleet is welcomed to Porto Cervo each year before the competition commences against the stunning backdrop of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Not only does a large number of charter yachts compete in the regatta, but it is also possible to arrange a regatta charter and be part of the thrilling action. If you’d rather follow the racing from the sidelines, however, join the motor yachts taking in the spectacle as part of a charter vacation.
There is no better way to watch the Monaco Grand Prix than aboard a superyacht lined-up trackside in Port Hercules. From such a vantage point, yacht-goers can catch all the action of the world’s best F1 drivers race around the streets of Monaco in the utmost style and comfort.
Taking place at the end of May each year, the iconic sporting meet is the perfect excuse to host an unforgettable party on board your charter yacht, with an unbeatable glittering backdrop of Monte Carlo and a vivacious atmosphere that continues well into the early hours of the morning.
The longest running superyacht regatta in the Mediterranean, the Superyacht Cup Palma attracts the world’s most prestigious sailing yachts to the Balearic island of Mallorca in June. With idyllic sailing conditions and the beautiful backdrop of Palma, the four-day event is not to be missed.
Be part of the fleet of competing superyachts and experience the excitement of racing first hand as part of a regatta charter. Or, take in the action as a spectator before departing on a yacht charter to discover the other Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca.
Soak up the glitz and glamour of the Venice Film Festival alongside Hollywood’s glitterati while lounging atop your luxury charter yacht. For a prime position, ensure you dock in one of the prestigious berths of Punta della Salute, opposite the Piazza San Marco.
Step ashore for red carpet screenings alongside the film industry’s finest, who can also be found in the maze of den-like restaurants and bars across Venice. The September event also runs as part of the Venice Biennale, meaning there is a wealth of art for charterers to discover too.
One of the closing events of the season is Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, taking place during the first week of October. A true spectacle, the rendezvous welcomes a mixture of more than 300 classic and ultra-modern superyachts to the hedonistic haven of Saint-Tropez.
Racers and sailing enthusiasts from across the globe descend on the French Riviera town to do battle in the Bay of Saint-Tropez, with winners of the Classic Division awarded the prestigious Rolex Trophy. Secure a regatta charter and be part of the action.
For more information on any of the above events or to book a luxury yacht vacation, please speak to a recommended yacht charter broker.
To find out more about chartering in the region, check out our in-depth Mediterranean yacht charter guide. For some inspiration, check out our sample itineraries handpicked by experts for the region.
Alternatively, browse all luxury yachts available for charter in the Mediterranean
