Your Definitive Guide to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023
The Cannes Yachting Festival is an annual event that showcases some of the most luxurious and prestigious yachts in the world. Held in the picturesque town of Cannes on the French Riviera, this boat show attracts yacht enthusiasts, industry professionals, and luxury brands from around the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, including the locations, ticketing, insider information, and how to view the extraordinary yachts on display.
What is the Cannes Yachting Festival?
The Cannes Yachting Festival is a renowned in-water boat show that has been taking place since 1977. It is considered one of the leading events in the yachting industry, alongside the famous Monaco Yacht Show. Each September, the Bay of Cannes transforms into a vibrant hub of yachting activity, attracting boat enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world. The festival showcases a wide range of sailing boats, monohulls, multihulls, sailing yachts, motor yachts, tenders, and day boats, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about the sea and luxury yachting.
The dates and timing of the Cannes Yachting Festival
This prestigious festival takes place each year in early September, spanning six days from Tuesday to Sunday. As the summer yachting season comes to a close, the festival marks the beginning of the Autumn sales season worldwide. This year, the Cannes Yachting Festival is taking place from 12 to 17 September.
From Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 September: 10 am - 7 pm.
Sunday 17 September: 10 am - 6 pm.
Friday 15 September: 10 am - 10 pm.
The locations of the Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Yachting Festival is spread across two main locations: the Vieux Port and Port Canto. The Vieux Port is the heart of the festival and is dedicated to the exhibition of motor yachts and nautical industry exhibits. This is where you'll find an impressive display of large motorized yachts, providing a unique opportunity to explore these magnificent vessels up close. On the other hand, Port Canto serves as the sail area, featuring 100 large sailing boats. This area is also known as the "brokerage" area, showcasing pre-owned boats measuring 22 meters and above.
The Luxury Gallery
In addition to the impressive display of yachts, the Cannes Yachting Festival also hosts a dedicated trade show called the Luxury Gallery. Located inside the iconic Palais des Festivals, the Luxury Gallery showcases a wide range of luxury and lifestyle brands. Visitors can explore displays from watchmakers, jewelry designers, spirits brands, fashion and accessories labels, household linen providers, furniture designers, art galleries, high-tech companies, and more. This exclusive area attracts affluent visitors who appreciate exceptional products and craftsmanship, making it the perfect place to discover the latest trends and innovations in the luxury industry.
The premieres at the Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Yachting Festival has long been synonymous with debuting some of the most extraordinary yachts the world has ever seen. Smart Yachts team have meticulously curated a list of 10 yacht debuts that are not only impressive in size and design but also offer a glimpse into the future of yachting. The list includes UV II by ISA Yachts, Pershing GTX 116, Stellamar by Cantiere delle Marche, Sanlorenzo SX100, Arcadia Yachts A96, Mazu 92 DS, Riva 82 Diva, Princess Y80, Wallywhy150, and Azimut Magellano 60.
Ticketing and Access to the Cannes Yachting Festival
To attend the Cannes Yachting Festival, visitors can purchase tickets
online or at the festival's entrance. It's advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues and ensure smooth access to the event. The festival offers various ticket options, including day passes and multiple-day passes, depending on your availability and preferences. Once inside the festival, visitors can explore both the Vieux Port and Port Canto areas, experiencing the best of motor yachts, sailing boats, and luxury brands. Complimentary shuttles are provided to transport visitors between the two locations, making it convenient to navigate the festival and maximize your experience.
Transportation and Accommodation
Cannes is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The city has its own airport, Cannes-Mandelieu Airport, which is exclusively for private jets. For commercial flights, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the closest major airport, located approximately 27 km from central Cannes. From Nice Airport, visitors can take a taxi, hire a private car, or use public transportation to reach Cannes. Additionally, the festival provides a free shuttle service between the two port locations, making it convenient for visitors to explore both areas. In terms of accommodation, Cannes offers a wide range of luxury hotels, including iconic establishments such as the Carlton Cannes and the Hotel Martinez. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, ranging from boutique hotels to renowned palace hotels, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay during the festival.
What to do in Cannes?
Visit the Old Town (Le Suquet): Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, visit the historic Notre-Dame de l'Espérance church, and enjoy panoramic views of Cannes from the top of the hill.
Explore the Lerins Islands: Take a boat trip to the nearby Lerins Islands, which are just a short distance from Cannes. The islands offer beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a day of relaxation and exploration.
Attend a Film Screening: Cannes is renowned for its annual Cannes Film Festival, and even outside of the festival season, you can still catch a film screening at one of the local cinemas. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and enjoy a movie in the city of stars.
Visit the Musée de la Castre: Located in the historic Le Suquet district, the Musée de la Castre is housed in an ancient castle and offers a fascinating collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Explore the museum's exhibits and enjoy stunning views of the city and the coastline from its tower.
Take a Wine Tasting Tour: The region around Cannes is known for its excellent wines. Take a wine tasting tour and visit local vineyards to sample some of the finest wines produced in the area. Learn about the winemaking process and indulge in the flavors of the region.
Additional Information
The Cannes Yachting Festival is open to both industry professionals and the general public, offering a unique opportunity for yacht enthusiasts of all levels of experience.
The festival provides an ideal platform for yacht buyers, charter clients, and industry professionals to connect and explore the latest offerings in the yachting market.
Visitors can arrange private viewings of yachts of interest, allowing for a more personalized and in-depth experience.
The Cannes Yachting Festival is not limited to the exhibition of yachts; it also offers a range of services, including yacht management, insurance, financing, and yacht design.
The festival attracts a diverse audience, including yacht owners, potential buyers, charter clients, industry professionals, and luxury brand representatives.
In conclusion, the Cannes Yachting Festival is an unmissable event for yacht enthusiasts and luxury aficionados. With its stunning location, impressive display of yachts, and a range of luxury brands to explore, the festival offers a unique and immersive experience. Whether you're in the market for a new yacht, looking to charter a vessel, or simply want to indulge in the world of luxury yachting, the Cannes Yachting Festival is the perfect destination. Plan your visit, prepare to be amazed, and immerse yourself in the glamour and excitement of this exceptional event.
Watch the video from last year's festival
Summary
What: Cannes Yachting Festival
Where: Vieux Port and Port Canto, Cannes
When: From 12 to 17 September, 2023
From Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 September: 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday 17 September: 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 15 September: 10 am - 10 pm
Our brokers are seasoned experts in the yachting industry, with a deep understanding of the market and a keen eye for finding the perfect vessel to suit your desires. If you're interested in booking a tour at the Cannes Yachting Festival with one of our brokers, we kindly request you to
fill out a short questionnaire. This will help us gather essential information about your preferences and requirements, enabling us to curate a personalized and unforgettable experience for you at the festival.
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