The Cannes Yachting Festival, which took place this year from September 12 through 17, is one of the most important nautical events of the international calendar and, undoubtedly, one of the most exclusive since its creation in 1977.
Cannes is one of the most glamorous cities in the world, and its events are correspondingly chic. Its film festival, for example, is considered the most elegant among all international film festivals and the celebrities who participate are taken to the projection rooms in luxurious vessels, allowing them to show off and advertise.
Additionally, every year the Cannes Yachting Festival brings together the most important luxury brands on the European continent and receives visitors from all over the world, who come to experience this attractive environment of glamour, luxury, yachts and abundant champagne.
Over the years, Cannes Yachting Festival has become Europe’s largest boat show: it features over 500 vessels on the water, plus another 100 in the exhibition halls, which attract professionals, fans and a large number of potential customers to this exclusive market.
The event takes place in the main marinas of the city: Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto, as well as in the Palais des Festivals. Organized by categories (according to the length and luxury of the boats), one of the most popular attractions in recent years, in addition to yachts, is the famed Luxury Gallery, where international brands manufacturing the most sophisticated watch-makers, high-end automobiles, private jets and jewelry offer their best products.
At the Palais des Festivals you can find brands like Porsche, Maserati, Chopard, Zanetti, Albatros Malletier, Frederique Constant and Louis Roederer, among many others, who compete to attract the attention of numerous demanding customers.
For its most important visitors, the organization also offers several VIP services, including private lounges, luxury car transfers, helicopter rides, private test sailing and shuttle service between the different marinas involved in the event.
One of the most anticipated moments is always the popular competition Concours d’Elégance, in which motor boats of up to 39 feet in length participate. The event rewards the most elegant ships and crews in three categories: Pre-1980, Post-1980 and the most elegant female crew member. It’s a fun contest that entertains everyone, and especially the participants.
Just like Milan, Dubai or Monaco, this small French Riviera town is characterized by its luxury and lifestyle, so it’s not surprising that this show should reflect the glamorous identity of the city that hosts it. The Cannes Yachting Festival is a must for lovers of high-end vessels, and a real highlight on the international nautical calendar. ■
