Cannes Yachting Festival 2021: confirmed dates for Europe's largest in-water boat show

By Nina Done 24 May 2021

Promising to be bigger and better than ever, the Cannes Yachting Festival, traditionally the inaugural boating event in the yachting calendar, is set to open its doors from 7-12 September around the glamorous locations of Vieux Port and Port Canto in the heart of the French Riviera.

Taking place close to the renowned Palais des Festivals venue and beautiful historic quarter Le Suquet, Cannes Yachting Festival is Europe’s leading in-water boating event that showcases yachts of all sizes, presented by the world's leading shipyards across the highly anticipated 6-day annual event.

To date, organisers have confirmed registrations for almost 600 boats, along with 430 exhibitors. This is already 10% higher than the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival and organisers are pleased to see the renewed confidence for trade shows, which re-open in France from June. The show has been designed to be fully compliant with health protocols, with a degree of flexibility in case of last-minute changes by the French government.

We are working in close collaboration with the City of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals to welcome our exhibitors and our visitors in the best possible conditions.
Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Yachting Festival

VIP Access

Ticket sales are open from the beginning of July, with options for a 1, 2 or 6-day VIP pass or Riviera pass valid for 6 days for two people.

The VIP pass includes;

VIP access
Sea-shuttle service between ports and
Concierge services

The Riviera pass includes;

VIP access
Sea-shuttle service between ports
Concierge services
Access to exhibited yachts (by appointment only)
Helicopter transfers, and much more.

Sea-shuttle service for Cannes Yachting Festival

The Cannes Yachting Festival will be open 10am-7pm, with a late-night opening on Friday till 10pm. The show closes at 6pm on Sunday 12 September.

Read more: Cannes Yachting Festival 2021

French Riviera yacht charters in Cannes

“Qui li ven li vien.” Those who come never leave. This ancient provençal motto perfectly captures the spirit of this glamorous and vibrant town.

With a hint of old-world charm evoking a Belle-Époque era, it is no wonder that Cannes is one of the most sought after mooring spots in Europe. From the illustrious Film Festival to the charming historic quarter of Le Suquet offering sweeping views across the Bay of Cannes, there is plenty to see and do in this chic French Riviera destination. What is more, half a mile offshore lie the exquisite Iles des Lérins (Lerin Islands), historically linked to the mainland and steeped in centuries of history.

The French Riviera enjoys a Mediterranean climate with 12 hours of sunshine during summer, with average temperatures of around 25-30 degrees, although ocean breezes keep evenings comfortably cool, perfect for yacht charters traversing this stunning region.