Doors open at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018

By Rebecca Bradbury 11 September 2018

The Cannes Yachting Festival is now officially underway, transforming Cannes into the world capital of luxury yachting for six days with stunning showcases of superyachts, boat builders, marine-related accessories and luxury lifestyle brands.

Now in its 41^st edition, the Cannes Yachting Festival brings together close to 620 boats measuring from five to 55 metres. As always, the varied fleet is made up of motor yachts, sailing yachts, multi-hulls and small motorboats, and over 100 will be making their world debuts.

The new yachts are on display at the Vieux Port, where the ‘Super Yachts Extension’ hosting yachts of 25 to 55 metres can be found next to quais lined with other smaller recently launched yachts.

yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival with iconic tower in background

Forty-six second-hand superyachts available for both charter and sale are, meanwhile, being exhibited across the bay at Port Pierre Canto joined by their expert brokerage houses.

Among the charter yachts being presented are the 50m/164ft motor yacht LIBERTY, Crescent Yachts’ 44m/145ft motor yacht ‘Muchos Mas’ and the 44m/144ft motor yacht KIJO from Heesen.

50,000 visitors from around the world are expected to attend and take in the on-water displays of vessels as well as the 500 plus exhibitors

Over the duration of the show, more than 50,000 visitors from around the world are expected to attend and take in the on-water displays of vessels as well as the 500 plus exhibitors.

Among the exhibitors are world-class boat builders such as Benetti, Sunseeker and Baglietto, and they are joined by lifestyle brands exhibiting in the Luxury Gallery held in the Palais des Festivals.

luxury yachts lined up in Vieux Port for the Cannes Yachting Festival

There is also a ‘RIB Village’ and tender and toys area at Port Pierre Canto. New for 2018, this section reflects the rapidly growing superyacht toy sector and is anticipated to be a popular show addition.

For visitors wishing to access Port Pierre Canto, there is a free public shuttle departing every 15 minutes from the 'Super Yacht Extension' in the Vieux Port.

Another highlight of the event is the Concours d’Elegance which will return for its fourth edition on Thursday 13 September at 5pm with a showcase of vintage and modern day boats. The parade pays tribute to the rich history of yachting in Cannes and the French Riviera.

superyachts lined up in Port Canto for the Cannes Yachting Festival

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2018 runs each day from 10am to 7pm, apart from Friday 14 September when it closes at 10pm and the final day, Sunday 16 September, when it closes at 6pm.

For more details on any charter yachts at the festival, speak to your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all luxury yachts attending the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018.