Cannes Lions 2018 opens its doors

By Rebecca Bradbury 18 June 2018

The 65^th edition of Cannes Lions gets underway in Cannes today bringing together the creative communications industry and a fine fleet of superyachts for five days of networking, talks, workshops and award ceremonies.

Cannes Lions is considered to be the largest gathering of the creative and marketing communications industry, attracting more than 16,000 people to the South of France each year.

The 2018 programme features more brands than ever, hot topic debates, power hours, game shows, interactive sessions, talks from global thought leaders in the industry and extensive array of fringe events. There is also a prestigious awards programme which runs throughout the week.

Cannes Lions flags blowing in the wind in Cannes

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Another popular feature of the event is the luxury yachts that get in on the action. This year, Cannes harbour, the Vieux Port, is open to everyone and will, as always, be one of the premier locations in the city during the festival, situated just minutes away from the festival hub, the Palais des Festivals.

Most of the superyachts currently lined up in the Vieux Port have been rented by companies aiming to maximise their exposure at the festival. Indeed, undertaking a corporate charter here enables brands to use the yacht as their base and as a place to host new contacts and entertain guests.

Among the charter yachts spotted in Cannes so far is the 63m/207ft luxury yacht 11/11, an award-winning 2015 build from Benetti. Combining innovative design and expert craftsmanship, she is sure to wow all who step aboard with her good looks, art deco-inspired interiors and entertainment offer.

This year, the Vieux Port is open to everyone and will, as always, be one of the premier locations in the city during the festival

Amels’ 69m/225ft superyacht ‘Lady S’ is also in Cannes. Offering non-stop entertainment and lavish styling over five spacious decks, she is the perfect platform for the five-day event, whether undertaking on-board meetings or hosting a glittering party.

Also turning heads is the 60m/197ft charter yacht SLIPSTREAM, a CMN Yachts launch with a striking silver superstructure and jet black hull. A sundeck cinema, karaoke, smoke and bubble machines, native Australian and Canadian artworks and no-end of social areas are among her many highlights.

Charter yachts such as the 56m/184ft sailing yacht PANTHALASSA from Perini Navi and the 52m/170ft classic yacht DIONEA are also expected to be in Cannes for the creative event.