Cannes Yachting Festival

Widely regarded as the opening event of the autumn boat show season, the Cannes Yachting Festival attracts leading shipyards, yacht brokers, designers, equipment manufacturers, and prospective owners from around the world. Spanning both Vieux Port and Port Canto, the event presents an impressive collection of charter yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, tenders, and brokerage yachts across a uniquely waterfront setting.

Since its launch in 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival has evolved into one of the Mediterranean's premier yachting exhibitions, combining world-class yacht displays with luxury lifestyle experiences, networking opportunities, and direct access to one of the world's most celebrated yacht charter destinations.

• Location: Vieux Port & Port Canto, Cannes, France
• Event type: Public luxury yacht show
• Duration: Six days
• Attendance: Around 55,000 visitors annually
• Yacht focus: Motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, brokerage yachts, tenders
• Known for: New yacht launches, European debuts, in-water displays
• Ideal for: Exploring Mediterranean yacht charter opportunities and new yacht trends

The Cannes Yachting Festival delivers one of the most comprehensive yacht exhibitions in Europe, presenting hundreds of yachts across multiple sectors of the industry in an entirely in-water format.

Visitors can expect an impressive mix of motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamaran yacht charters, tenders, and brokerage yachts from many of the world's leading shipyards. The event is particularly renowned for hosting numerous world premieres and European debuts, making it a key destination for discovering the latest yacht designs and innovations.

Unlike some yacht shows that focus primarily on superyachts, Cannes offers a broader spectrum of boats and luxury yachts, appealing to first-time buyers, experienced owners, charter clients, and industry professionals alike.

The atmosphere combines Riviera sophistication with a relaxed waterfront setting, creating an ideal environment for yacht tours, meetings with brokers and shipyards, and discussions surrounding ownership and luxury yacht charters in the Mediterranean.

Divided between two main locations in Vieux Port and Port Canto, there's a seamless flow throughout the clearly zoned exhibits, with ample transportation between the various areas on land and sea. For those wanting to take in the sights along the way, a walk along La Croisette is an enjoyable route boasting staggering views of the show and is just a stone's throw from authentic cafes and premium restaurants.

Home to the showstopping Superyacht Extension and some of the biggest names in the industry, Vieux Port is the exhibit for you if you're looking for some of the most innovative motor yacht charters operating in the Med.

As one of the oldest marinas to be visited during French Riviera yacht charters, Vieux Port has an undeniable charm and looks truly spectacular with the gleaming array of motor yachts around the pontoons.

• Jetée - Dedicated to exhibiting large motor yachts and superyachts
• Quai Max Laubeuf - A comprehensive display of motorboats, powerboats, and catamarans
• Palais des Festivals - The main venue for viewing luxury yacht exhibitors and marine equipment displays
• Quai Saint Pierre - Exhibit for showcasing luxury motor yachts
• Superyacht Extension - The showcase for the largest and most luxurious superyachts
• Pantiero - Home to smaller luxury motorboats ranging from 32 - 111ft (10 - 34m)

Situated across the bay, Port Canto boasts a great selection of specialist areas including a section dedicated to around 55 large second-hand yachts available for both sale and charter, where brokers will be on hand to assist visitors with purchasing and charter inquiries.

Priding itself with the inclusion of multiple yachting niches, those who prefer a relaxing sailing yacht charter will revel in an exhibit hosting the number one fleet in the world for large sailing yachts, including nearly 120 new sailing yachts.

Introduced for the 2024 edition, a new marina was introduced between the Sailing and Yacht Brokerage & Toys sections to showcase new motor boats measuring up to 39ft (12m), marking the first time that boat charters of this size are displayed on the water at this yacht show.

• Sailing Yachts - Special exhibit of the world's top fleet of large sailing yachts, with nearly 120 new sailing yachts, plus monohulls, and multihulls up to 98ft (30m).
• Yacht Brokerage Area - A collection of nearly 50 pre-owned yachts up to 164ft (50m)
• Water Toys Zone - An immersive showcase of the latest water toys and gadgets ideal for watersports yacht charters
• Powerboats under 12m - One of the largest selections of powerboats in the water

The Cannes Yachting Festival has become a major platform for showcasing luxury yacht charters operating throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.

Welcoming almost 700 boats and charter yachts annually, the event consistently attracts many of the industry's most recognised shipyards, including Sanlorenzo, Azimut, Princess, Sunseeker, Ferretti, and Benetti.

The show's strong emphasis on new launches means visitors often have the opportunity to view yachts making their global debut before they appear elsewhere on the international boat show circuit.

For charter clients, the festival provides an invaluable opportunity to compare layouts, onboard amenities, beach clubs, wellness facilities, and watersports collections while speaking directly with brokerage representatives.

Welcoming around 55,000 visitors each year, the Cannes Yachting Festival offers an ideal platform to experience every element of the yachting lifestyle under one roof. 

In addition to the enticing collection of boat charters and exhibitors around the pontoons, prospective France yacht charter guests can also enjoy a range of extra attractions that aim to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Offering premium shopping opportunities, Palais des Festivals is situated just beyond the main entrance to the show, and is a familiar sight for those who have visited Cannes on MIPCOM or MIPIM yacht charters.

Presenting a curated collection of exhibitors, Palais des Festivals hosts a good variety of nautical products, merchandise, and services, with relative brand representatives close at hand to advise on the latest gadgets and assist with finding the right equipment for every visitor's particular requirements.

Further premium products can be found in the Luxury Gallery, where top-tier brands display jewelry, fashion, art, technologies, and lots more.

The Concours d’Elégance at the Cannes Yachting Festival honors the beauty and craftsmanship of both vintage and contemporary yachts.

Featuring a parade of meticulously restored classic yachts and sleek modern yachts, the enticing event highlights their unique designs along the scenic Bay of Cannes. Expert judges assess the participating yachts based on criteria such as design, restoration quality, originality, and elegance, with awards presented in various categories.

Located within Port Canto, this dedicated zone highlights the latest watersports equipment, luxury tenders, personal watercraft, and marine toys.

Popular with charter guests and yacht owners alike, the area provides insight into emerging trends shaping onboard entertainment and guest experiences.

The Innovation Route at the Cannes Yachting Festival is a dedicated visitor pathway designed to highlight the latest advancements shaping the future of the marine industry. Linking selected exhibitors across Vieux Port and Port Canto, it showcases pioneering technologies in areas such as hybrid propulsion, sustainable materials, smart navigation systems, and next-generation onboard design.

The route provides a curated way for show visitors to discover forward-thinking shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and start-ups driving innovation in modern yacht building and operations, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the evolution of luxury yachting.

Benefiting from its placement along the popular Côte d'Azur, the Cannes Yachting Festival can easily be combined with a yacht charter in the South of France, opening multiple opportunities to experience some of the best things to see and do in Cannes. 

Here are some of the highlights that can be included in your next charter itinerary:

• La Palme d'Or - Michelin-starred dining overlooking the Croisette.
• La Môme - One of Cannes' most popular restaurants for Riviera dining and celebrity spotting.
• Baoli Cannes - A renowned venue combining fine dining, cocktails, and nightlife throughout the summer season.
• Carlton Beach Club - A stylish beachfront setting ideal for relaxed lunches and sunset drinks.

• Le Suquet Old Town
• Îles de Lérins
• Musée des Explorations du Monde

Many visitors extend their stay to explore nearby destinations such as Antibes, Cap d'Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Èze.

Cannes remains one of the Mediterranean's most important yachting hubs, combining world-class marina infrastructure with luxury hospitality, fine dining, designer shopping, and immediate access to some of the region's finest cruising grounds.

From Cannes, yacht charters can easily explore the French Riviera, Italian Riviera, Corsica, and the charter routes of Sardinia, creating itineraries that combine vibrant social scenes with secluded anchorages and spectacular coastal scenery.

Popular highlights include beach clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, watersports activities, cultural landmarks, and the glamorous atmosphere that has made Cannes famous worldwide.

Offering access for general and VIP admission, the Cannes Yachting Festival operates on an e-ticket system which is pre-bookable online.

The types of tickets available for the Cannes Yachting Festival are:

• Public Tickets - For general admission with single or multi-day passes available for both individuals and families.
• VIP Tickets - Available in Comfort, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Providing exclusive access to a range of premium concierge services, including a courtesy car service, VIP entrances to the show, access to the VIP clubs at both Vieux Port and Port Canto, plus a VIP water shuttle service between the two ports
• VIP Sea Access Vieux Port - The perfect choice for luxury yacht charter guests to attend the show from the sea via tender with access to all VIP services.
• Professional Ticket - For industry professionals looking to network and connect.

Why is the Cannes Yachting Festival considered one of Europe's leading boat shows?

The Cannes Yachting Festival is widely regarded as one of the most influential events in the international boating calendar because it traditionally marks the start of the European autumn boat show season. The show attracts many of the world's leading shipyards, brokers, designers, and equipment manufacturers, while also hosting a significant number of world and European yacht premieres each year.

Yes. Many yachts are available for onboard visits throughout the show, although access is typically managed by the exhibiting shipyard, broker, or yacht representative.

Some yachts are open to general visitors, while larger superyacht charters and brokerage yachts may require appointments or advance registration. Visitors with a genuine interest in purchasing or chartering a yacht can often arrange more detailed private viewings through the relevant exhibitor.

Most visitors spend at least one full day at the show, although those with a particular interest in yacht ownership, chartering, or marine technology often choose to attend for two or more days.

With hundreds of yachts spread across two marinas, as well as luxury lifestyle exhibits, demonstrations, and networking opportunities, allowing additional time helps visitors fully explore both Vieux Port and Port Canto without feeling rushed.

Combining the Cannes Yachting Festival with a Cannes yacht charter offers an ideal opportunity to experience one of Europe's premier yacht shows while exploring the French Riviera from the water.

The popularity of charter yachts operating in the South of France increases before the festival, making it highly advisable to book as soon as possible to secure your preferred charter yacht.

Speak to a yacht charter broker to secure your Cannes yacht charter today.