Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

Each September, Cannes launches the new yachting season with one of Europe's largest yachting events, set across both Vieux Port and Port Canto.

The Cannes Yachting Festival offers something for every maritime enthusiast, featuring a vast selection of super yacht charters and a curated lineup of exhibitors displaying merchandise, gadgets, and services designed to complete the ultimate yachting lifestyle experience.

• Location: Vieux Port & Port Canto, Cannes, France
• Dates: 8 - 13 September 2026
• Event type: Public international yacht show
• Audience: Yacht buyers, charter clients, industry professionals, boating enthusiasts
• Yacht focus: Motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, brokerage yachts, superyachts, tenders
• Known for: European yacht premieres, dual-marina layout, extensive in-water displays
• Ideal for: Exploring Mediterranean yacht charters and comparing the latest yacht launches

The 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival is expected to once again launch the European autumn boat show season with six days of new yacht debuts, luxury lifestyle exhibits, and one of the largest in-water yacht displays in Europe.

Split between the historic Vieux Port and nearby Port Canto, the festival presents hundreds of yachts ranging from elegant day boats and sailing yachts to luxury motor yachts and brokerage superyachts. Its marina-based layout allows visitors to compare different yacht styles in a relaxed waterfront setting while meeting leading shipyards, designers, brokers, and marine specialists.

Unlike many yacht exhibitions, Cannes balances serious yacht buying with Riviera lifestyle, combining yacht tours, equipment demonstrations, premium hospitality, and opportunities to discover the latest innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Whether planning a Mediterranean yacht charter or considering yacht ownership, the Cannes Yachting Festival offers one of the most comprehensive introductions to today's luxury yachting market.

The Cannes Yachting Festival is divided between two complementary marina venues connected by regular shuttle services and the famous Boulevard de la Croisette.

Vieux Port serves as the festival's main exhibition area, featuring many of the newest motor yachts, luxury yacht builders, marine equipment exhibitors, and the prestigious Superyacht Extension alongside the Luxury Gallery.

Port Canto showcases sailing yachts, brokerage yachts, tenders, water toys, and dedicated displays for smaller motorboats, creating a specialist environment for visitors interested in sailing, pre-owned yachts, and watersports equipment.

This dual-marina layout enables visitors to explore every sector of the leisure marine industry while enjoying spectacular views across the Bay of Cannes.

Each edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival attracts an impressive selection of luxury yacht charters and newly launched superyachts, with many making their European or world debut during the show.

The bustling heart of the Cannes Yachting Festival, Vieux Port showcases the majority of the attending French Riviera yacht charters, conveniently located at the show’s main entrance.

As the host of the prestigious Luxury Gallery, it offers visitors a chance to indulge in premium products from carefully selected exhibitors, featuring jewelry, fashion, art, and cutting-edge technology. The Palais des Festivals enhances the shopping experience further with an array of nautical merchandise and services tailored to the yachting lifestyle.

The 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival is scheduled to take place from 8 - 13 September 2026.

Opening times are expected to be confirmed closer to the event.

The Cannes Yachting Festival offers a range of ticket options designed for both public visitors and industry professionals, with all admissions available to pre-book online through the official e-ticketing system.

• Public Tickets – General admission with single or multi-day passes available for individuals and families.
• VIP Tickets – Available in Comfort, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, offering benefits such as priority entrances, concierge services, VIP lounges at both Vieux Port and Port Canto, courtesy car transfers, and dedicated VIP water shuttle services between the two marinas.
• VIP Sea Access (Vieux Port) – New for 2026, designed for guests arriving by France yacht charters or tender, combining direct sea access with the full suite of VIP services and hospitality.
• Professional Tickets – Intended for marine industry professionals, providing access for networking, business meetings, and exhibitor appointments throughout the festival.

Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for VIP experiences and visitors wishing to arrange private yacht viewings or meetings with exhibitors during the show.

Paired with a visit to the Cannes Yachting Festival, South of France yacht charters provide a refreshing escape to the Med. Promising unforgettable excursions, charter guests exploring the area can soak up sun-kissed coastlines and hidden coves, in between action-packed watersports sessions and tours around beautiful old towns and attractions.

In addition to the plethora of quaint bistros, top-tier boutiques, and the palm-fringed coastline, Cannes yacht charter guests have the opportunity to explore the captivating Lerins Islands, visit the Cannes Underwater Eco-Museum (Musée sous-marin de Cannes) and enjoy cocktails under the stars at some of Cannes' best beach clubs like Nammos.

Can visitors arrange private yacht viewings?

Yes. Many exhibitors offer guided yacht tours by appointment, particularly for prospective buyers and charter clients interested in exploring specific yachts in greater detail.

What types of yachts are displayed at the festival?

The Cannes Yachting Festival showcases motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, brokerage yachts, tenders, chase boats, day boats, and luxury superyachts, making it one of Europe's most diverse in-water boat shows.

Is the Cannes Yachting Festival suitable for first-time buyers?

Absolutely. The wide variety of vessels, combined with direct access to builders, brokers, and equipment specialists, makes Cannes an excellent introduction to yacht ownership and chartering.

How is Cannes different from the Monaco Yacht Show?

While both events are internationally recognized, Cannes focuses on new yacht launches and production yachts across a broad range of sizes, whereas the Monaco Yacht Show places greater emphasis on large superyachts, brokerage yachts, and ultra-luxury experiences.

If you're planning to attend the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival or would like to incorporate the event into a yacht charter vacation, contact a yacht charter broker for the latest availability, attending charter yachts, and advice on creating a bespoke Mediterranean itinerary.

Speak to a yacht charter broker today.