Get Ready to Set Sail: The Cannes Yachting Festival Returns

Annually, the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, France, host the Cannes Yachting Festival. This year's event, which will take place from the 12th to the 17th of September, is set to, yet again, showcase more than 650 boats, ranging from modest day cruisers to astronomical superyachts. The renowned event draws nearly 55,000 expected visitors annually: yacht builders, designers, and those who are fans from across the globe. There are many events and activities associated with the festival, including cocktail parties, yacht races, and seminars, making it a fantastic place to learn about the most recent trends and advances in the yachting sector.

Organised by Reed Expositions France, the monumental Cannes Yachting Festival is held annually across the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, France. In addition to the yachts on display, there are also a variety of exhibitors showcasing products and services related to the yachting industry, such as engines, navigation equipment, and luxury accessories offering a great opportunity for several industries to network and collaborate.Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the festival, and there are discounts available for students, children, and groups. The Cannes Yachting Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves yachts and the yachting lifestyle.

The main port for the yearly festival is the Vieux Port. Located in the heart of Cannes, this is where you'll find the majority of the exhibitors and the yachts on display. The Vieux Port is a beautiful location, with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in the area, so visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the sights.

Port Pierre Canto is located just outside of the centre of Cannes, and is a smaller port that's primarily used for the larger yachts. This is where you'll find the superyachts and other large vessels, and it's a great place to see some of the most impressive boats in the world. There are also some exhibitors and events at Port Pierre Canto, but the majority of the festival takes place at the Vieux Port.

 A significant new aspect of the 2023 event is the construction of a floating space in the Vieux Port, which will accommodate smaller boats, in response to requests from various exhibitors. Director of the Yachting Festival, Sylvie Ernoult commented, ‘This new edition will highlight the small units with the creation of a brand new area, a marina in the heart of the Vieux Port, which will accommodate more than fifty small motor boats from 8 to 12 metres’.

In addition to all it has to offer, the Cannes Yachting Festival has a long and rich history. The festival was first held in 1977, and it was originally called the Festival International de la Plaisance d'Antibes. In 1978, the festival moved to Cannes, and it was renamed the Festival International de la Plaisance de Cannes, quickly becoming one of the most important events in the yachting industry, and attracting yacht builders, designers, and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Over the years, the festival has grown and evolved, and it now features hundreds of yachts, ranging from small day boats to massive superyachts. Undoubtedly, the Cannes Yachting Festival offers the chance to see some of the most beautiful and innovative yachts in the world, and to meet with the builders and designers who create them; it is the perfect place to see and be seen, just make sure you bring your sea legs and your fanciest nautical outfit. 

Whether you're a yacht enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the beauty of these incredible boats, this year's 2023 edition is definitely worth a visit. 

Image Credits: Cannes Yachting Festival - Abracadabra Studio