From glamorous film festivals to iconic sporting fixtures, an array of unmissable superyacht events are planned for 2018. Add the dates to your diary and make sure you don’t miss the hottest happenings of the year.
Across the world, from the French Riviera to the Caribbean, a number of celebrated events are perfectly primed for visiting by superyacht. Whether hosting a corporate charter or superyacht party, competing in a regatta or simply getting away for a few days, there will be an event to suit you.
Read on to discover 10 unmissable yachting events taking place over the next 12 months and get planning your next yacht charter.
NZ Millennium Cup
Kicking off 2018’s regatta calendar on 23rd January is the thrilling NZ Millennium Cup. Taking place in New Zealand, the cup forms part of the Bay of Island’s Sailing Week and celebrates beautiful cruising grounds, spectacular racing and exceptional hospitality.
Competition will be stiff this year, with 2017’s winner, the 28m/92ft sailing yacht TAWERA, making a highly-anticipated return alongside former winner, the 34m/111ft charter yacht SILVERTIP.
Expect three days of adrenaline-fuelled racing in an outstanding natural setting at what is the South Pacific’s premier superyacht regatta.
St Barths Bucket
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes that hit the Caribbean last autumn, it has been announced that the annual St Barths Bucket will go ahead as usual in March 2018.
First launched in 1995, the long-running regatta now welcomes an impressive fleet of the finest, high-performance yachts to St Barths each year for four days of spectacular racing. It’s also renowned for its amicable atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and vibrant social programme.
Among the charter yachts signed up to compete are the 35m/116ft sailing yacht WHISPER, the 34m/112ft sailing yacht SPIIP and the 32m/104ft sailing yacht FARFALLA. Be there as part of a regatta charter or watch from the sidelines aboard a luxury charter yacht.
Commonwealth Games
In April, Australia’s Gold Coast will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games and, with extra superyacht berths being built across the region especially for the occassion, yacht-goers are very much welcome at the 11-day sporting spectacular.
Also known as Gold Coast 2018, the games will be the largest sporting event to take place in Australia this decade, with 70 nations competing in 18 sports, including athletics, hockey, gymnastics, boxing, cycling, rugby sevens and beach volleyball.
Superyachts available for charter in Australia include the 59m/192ft sailing yacht SEAHAWK, the 49m/161ft superyacht 'Endless Summer' and the 37m/122ft superyacht 'Ghost II'.
Cannes Film Festival
Attracting movie stars and superyachts alike, the Cannes Film Festival is always a highlight of the Mediterranean charter season and, in 2018, will get underway on Tuesday 8th May with a new gala evening.
As Hollywood’s finest flock to Cannes, the red carpet will be rolled out for a fortnight of film premieres, celebrity spotting and VIP parties. To see the portside town at its most glamorous make sure you book a berth in the iconic Jetée Albert Edouard well ahead of time.
Among the superyachts available for charter during the festival are the 45m/147ft luxury yacht PRIDE and the 37m/121ft luxury yacht DYNAR.
Monaco Historic Grand Prix
Organised every two years, the Monaco Historic Grand Prix will be back for its 11th edition on 11th May 2018. Secure a berth in Monaco’s Port Hercules and join in one of the world’s greatest celebrations of historic motor racing from the comfort of a superyacht.
A fantastic collection of vintage sport cars will gather for three days of racing around the same circuit that hosts the renowned Monaco Grand Prix. Enjoy the sights and sounds of some fantastic cars from the golden age of motor racing as drivers tackle the twists and turns of Monaco's legendary streets.
Superyachts such as the 83m/272ft motor yacht 'Here Comes The Sun', the 66m/218ft motor yacht OKTO and the 64m/210ft sailing yacht 'Spirit Of The C's' are available for charter in Monaco this summer.
Monaco Grand Prix
Two weeks later, from 24th to 27th May, the world’s finest drivers, thousands of spectators and scores of incredible superyachts will descend on Monaco for the Monaco Grand Prix – arguably the most famous fixture of the Formula 1 season.
As well as its glamorous allure, the renowned racing event provides one of the sternest tests of a racer’s reflexes and car control, and the very best way to take in the nail-biting action is from a luxury charter yacht berthed track-side in Port Hercules.
The glitzy superyacht parties are not to be missed either and yachts expected to have availability at the world-class sporting meet are the 55m/180ft motor yacht ELIXIR, the 44m/144ft motor yacht KIJO and the 35m/118ft expedition yacht ZULU.
Superyacht Cup Palma
For three days of incredible racing in the Mediterranean, why not visit Europe’s longest-running regatta, the Superyacht Cup Palma, which kicks off in Palma, Mallorca, on 19th June.
This is one of the most highly-anticipated meets on the summer sailing circuit thanks to its warm atmosphere, competitive spirit, idyllic sailing conditions and beautiful city backdrop of Palma de Mallorca.
Participate in the action-packed racing yourself as part of a regatta charter or watch from the sidelines aboard a luxury charter yacht. The likes of 82m/269ft superyacht 'Alfa Nero', 50m/163ft superyacht VERTIGE and the 40m/131ft superyacht 'Take 5' are open for charter in the region.
Venice Film Festival
Venice will transform into the capital of cinema for 10 days this September as movie stars and the most prestigious names in the film industry arrive in town for the 75th edition of the Venice Film Festival.
With a line-up of movie screenings, red carpet action and exclusive parties and events, the festival is an ideal time to charter a superyacht and rub shoulders with Hollywood’s finest.
The 74m/243ft superyacht 'Cloud 9', the 64m/208ft superyacht 'Lioness V' and the 62m/202ft superyacht SEALYON are among the yachts available for charter in Italy. Be sure to berth in the marina opposite St Mark’s Square and soak up the star-studded atmosphere at its best.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix never fails to provide a climatic close to the Formula 1 season and its upcoming 10th edition, running in Abu Dhabi from 23rd to 25th November, will be no different.
As the racing unfolds on the Yas Marina Circuit, the sparkling line-up of superyachts are put at the heart of the action and, once the cars has crossed the finish line, world-class music acts, top DJs and yacht hops continue to wow the crowds.
In past years, superyachts such as the 86m/282ft motor yacht CHAKRA, the 77m/252ft motor yacht 'Silver Fast' and the 74m/241ft motor yacht MOGAMBO have had charter availability at the sporting meet.
New Year's In St Barts
The place to see and be seen at New Year’s is St Barts, the tiny Caribbean island which knows how to throw a big party. Expect spectacular firework displays, yacht hops and exclusive parties at the island’s ultra-luxe line up of clubs and beach bars.
For the most prestigious spot, secure a berth in Port de Plaisance in Port Gustavia. But, with room for only 60 superyachts, competition is fierce, so be sure to book your charter escape early.
The 70m/229ft superyacht JOY, the 63m/206ft superyacht 11/11 and the 56m/183ft superyacht REGINA are all available for charter in the Caribbean.
For help planning a yacht charter to any of the above events, get in touch with your preferred charter broker.
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