Blog | Boat Show Guide: Cannes and Monaco

The Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show are two of the grandest yachting events in Europe, comparable only to the Fort Lauderdale show in the US. Set in the two most iconic cities on the sunlit French Riviera, These events feature the most advanced yachts and boating technology. Here, leading industry players convene and VIP guests indulge in the yachting lifestyle.

As frequent hangouts for European royalty, both Cannes and Monaco cater to the most sophisticated and successful audiences. In this guide, we will unveil everything you need to know about these events to help you get the most out of your visit.

CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL

Held in the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, the Cannes Yachting Festival is the world’s most eclectic boating exhibition. Held at the beginning of September along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, this festival gathers together the latest superyachts and megayachts for their global debut.

The boat show in Cannes is divided between two venues – the historic Old Port of Cannes and the newer Port Canto, which can accommodate larger vessels. Holders of exclusive Riviera e-tickets have access to a water shuttle service connecting the two ports so they can access everything on display.

The Old Port in the center of town boasts the best views of historic Cannes and accommodates yachts up to 114 feet. It neighbors the world-famous Cannes Boulevard, Promenade de la Croisette, and top hotels, including the historic Intercontinental Carlton Hotel, preferred by royalty and celebrities for more than a century.

The second venue, Port Canto, is located on the other side of the Cannes Promenade. As the largest marina in the French Riviera, it’s where you can find larger megayachts, as well as pre-owned yachts, sailing yachts, and water toys. It is also home to Innovation Space – a showcase of nautical technologies and innovations for the yachting sector.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL 2022

Last year, the Cannes boat show hosted almost 55,000 visitors and 620 yachts. It boasted a 10% increase in new vessels, including such iconic models as the 125-foot Azimut Grande Trideck and Benetti Oasis 40M.

This year’s program is still in the making, but it’s slated to be even more impressive and welcoming, thanks to newly lifted COVID restrictions. From September 6-11, Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 will see the debut of the Art Deco-inspired Ferretti 860, the Sunseeker 65, and the new Zeelander Z5, among other innovative designs.

This festival traditionally hosts a luxury space dedicated to lifestyle and crafts, featuring leading names in jewelry, watches, wine and spirits, furniture, and high-tech products. The show aims to offer guests a concentration of boating innovation, affluence, and luxury concentrated in the world’s most picturesque and prestigious yachting venue.

MONACO YACHT SHOW

The Monaco Yacht Show is an unparalleled parade of wealth and luxury that is held at the end of September, less than three weeks after the Cannes Yachting Festival. With prices for real estate in Monaco exceeding those of Manhattan by almost 3.5 times, the show is a luxurious place to meet wealthy yacht owners and leading players in the yachting world.

Held in Port Hercules, the Monaco Yacht Show – known simply as MYS – comprises two exhibition areas: afloat and on the quayside. The afloat portion of the show includes more than 100 of the world’s finest yachts up to 262 feet, accessible by tender. Meanwhile, Monaco Quayside hosts the most renowned builders and features yachting technology, luxury, and nautical innovation.

With more than 30,000 visitors each year, MYS guests who wish to buy or charter a yacht can choose Sapphire passes to gain access to VIP concierge services, yacht visits, and other invite-only experiences.

As one of the most opulent cities in the world, Monaco presents attendees with many unique opportunities. From high-end boutiques and dining venues to extravagant casinos, MYS is an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MONACO YACHT SHOW 2022

Traditionally, the MYS show begins with a gala at the renowned Yacht Club of Monaco. This special event gathers yacht owners, interested buyers, a C-suite of superyacht builders, and other VIP guests with Sapphire pass.

The 2022 Monaco Yacht Show kicks off September 28th and runs through October 1st. This year’s show will feature themed exhibition areas, including the Dockside Area, Sailing Yacht Area, and Yacht Design and Innovation Hub, plus a series of awards for yacht exterior and interior design.

The show’s longer-term goal is to promote yachting to a new generation of clients through its “Seducation” program. The MYS-coined term combines education, including meetings with industry leaders, and seduction, with privileged guests enjoying a deep dive into the VIP world of superyachting.

In keeping with tradition for European yachting festivals, MYS extends to other ultra-luxury markets, including private aviation, supercars, motorcycles, and other luxury products. The quayside showcase will also include the most advanced yacht tenders and a full range of exclusive water toys, from jet skis to mini-submarines.

WHY VISIT BOTH SHOWS IN ONE TRIP?

The yacht shows in both Cannes and Monaco are exclusive events separated by less than three weeks and just 21 nautical miles. For most brokers, buyers, and window shoppers, visiting both shows is logistically easy. More importantly, though, it’s a chance to ponder deals, gain leverage in negotiations, and fully enjoy the superyachting experience at its highest level.