Every September, the city of Cannes welcomes the international yachting community to one of the most prestigious events on the maritime calendar. The Cannes Yachting Festival. Set against the elegant backdrop of the French Riviera, this renowned yacht festival in Cannes is Europe’s largest in-water boat show, showcasing an exceptional selection of new and pre-owned vessels across two iconic harbours: Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto.
From cutting-edge catamarans to luxury super yachts for sale, the festival offers buyers, owners, and industry professionals a unique opportunity to experience the very best in yacht design and innovation. With a refined focus on excellence and discretion, SuperYachtsMonaco is once again proud to participate in the 2025 edition, connecting clients with some of the most exclusive yachts and providing expert guidance throughout the event.
What Sets the Cannes Yacht Show Apart
The Largest In-Water Yacht Festival in Europe
The Cannes Yachting Festival is widely regarded as the most important in-water yacht event in Europe. Each September, it transforms Cannes into a global stage for innovation, design, and nautical excellence. With more than 600 boats on display, the festival spans a remarkable range of vessel types and sizes, offering a comprehensive view of the international yacht market in one elegant setting.
Unlike more traditional trade fairs, this yacht festival in Cannes takes full advantage of its coastal location. Yachts are displayed in the water and available for scheduled onboard visits, while select vessels are made available for sea trials throughout the event. This format provides buyers with the rare opportunity to experience how a yacht performs on the water, hear the engines run, and interact directly with builders, designers, and crew members.
Industry professionals attend not only to showcase new models but also to meet face-to-face with serious buyers, private clients, and prospective partners. Whether you are looking to purchase, charter, or commission a build, the Cannes Yachting Festival delivers access to the people and products that shape the future of yachting.
From Day Boats to Megayachts
The range of yachts at the Cannes yacht show is among the most diverse of any festival in the world. It includes day boats for coastal cruising, motor yachts and catamarans for family voyages, and an impressive fleet of large displacement vessels designed for global exploration. Every category is well represented, with vessels spanning from 5 metres to 50 metres and beyond.
At the top of this spectrum are the megayachts for sale and charter. These are th
e flagship builds of the industry, often unveiled for the first time in Cannes and meticulously presented by their shipyards. Featuring advanced technology, custom interior design, and high-performance engineering, these yachts are not only visually commanding but also built for autonomy, comfort, and long-range travel.
Buyers will also find a strong presence of sustainable design initiatives, including hybrid propulsion, electric drive systems, and the use of eco-friendly construction materials. This growing segment demonstrates how the industry is responding to modern expectations without compromising performance or luxury.
For those considering an acquisition, there is no better place to compare specifications, craftsmanship, and onboard experience. Whether evaluating superyachts for sale or simply exploring the landscape, the Cannes Yachting Festival offers the most immersive and comprehensive view of what is possible at sea.
The Venues – Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto
Vieux Port: Power and Innovation on Display
Located at the foot of the iconic Palais des Festivals, Vieux Port is the heart of the Cannes Yachting Festival and serves as the main exhibition area for new motor yachts. It hosts some of the most prestigious shipyards in the world, each presenting its latest launches, engineering advancements, and refined aesthetics. This area is a must-visit for those interested in powerful performance, high-speed cruising, and contemporary yacht design.
Yachts at Vieux Port are berthed in-water along custom floating pontoons, allowing visitors to move easily from one vessel to another in a curated and efficient layout. This is where many global premieres take place, making it the prime location for buyers who want early access to the newest models entering the market. From compact sport yachts to full-size motor yachts in the 40 to 50-metre range, Vieux Port provides the highest calibre showcase for innovation, style, and mechanical sophistication.
Many shipyards also offer scheduled sea trials directly from this port, giving clients the opportunity to test handling, propulsion, and onboard systems in real conditions. For those planning a purchase or long-term charter, these demonstrations are an essential part of the evaluation process.
Port Pierre Canto: Brokerage, Sailing, and Specialist Services
Across the bay lies Port Pierre Canto, a venue dedicated to brokerage, sailing yachts, and specialised yachting services. It is here that visitors will find a world-class display of superyachts for sale, many of which are presented through established brokers offering both pre-owned and charter listings. This makes Port Pierre Canto the ideal starting point for clients seeking proven vessels with a strong operational history and immediate availability.
This location is also the home of the sailing yacht sector of the festival, featuring monohulls and catamarans from leading global brands. It is particularly well suited to those with a passion for performance sailing, long-distance cruising, or elegant multihull living. The open, marina-style layout provides a calm and focused environment for conversations with captains, designers, and technical teams.
In addition to yachts, Port Pierre Canto also hosts the Yacht Brokerage and Water Toys Zone, which includes tenders, jetboards, inflatables, and submersibles. This area highlights the lifestyle accessories that enhance life on the water and complement the luxury yachts presented nearby.
Together, Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto form a dual-venue experience that allows buyers to explore both new builds and brokerage listings, power and sail, large yachts and support vessels, all within one well-organised and highly anticipated event.
SuperYachtsMonaco at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Representing Excellence at Every Berth
As a boutique yacht brokerage known for its discretion, integrity, and global reach, SuperYachtsMonaco is proud to participate in the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival. This event provides the ideal platform for us to present a curated selection of luxury super yachts for sale, offering clients direct access to some of the finest vessels on the market today.
We represent both new and pre-owned vessels across a variety of categories, including superyachts for sale with transatlantic range, family cruising yachts with flexible layouts, and charter-ready yachts offering strong investment potential. Each listing is selected not only for its technical merit but also for its capacity to deliver long-term satisfaction and value.
Supporting Buyers With Strategy and Discretion
The Cannes Yachting Festival is an exciting environment, but the complexity of a yacht transaction requires clarity and focus. That is where SuperYachtsMonaco excels. Our team works closely with each client to understand their preferences, timelines, and future cruising intentions in order to recommend the most suitable opportunities.
From arranging pre-festival consultations and exclusive viewings to managing post-show negotiations and due diligence, we provide end-to-end support. For many clients, the show marks the beginning of an ownership journey, and our role is to ensure that every step of that process is informed, private, and handled with care.
Whether you are considering one of our megayachts for sale or exploring a discreet brokerage opportunity in Port Pierre Canto, our advisors are on hand throughout the event to deliver a service experience aligned with the expectations of experienced and first-time yacht buyers alike.
What to Expect from the 2025 Edition
A Showcase of Innovation and Sustainability
The Cannes Yachting Festival has long been a launchpad for forward-thinking yacht design, and the 2025 edition is poised to continue that legacy with an emphasis on sustainable innovation. Builders and designers are increasingly prioritising eco-conscious engineering, and visitors can expect to see a wide range of yachts incorporating hybrid propulsion, solar-assisted systems, and responsibly sourced materials.
Several major shipyards are set to unveil models that feature electric or hybrid engines, reduced emissions, and energy-efficient onboard systems, appealing to buyers who are not only seeking luxury but also environmental responsibility. These developments reflect a growing movement within the industry to balance performance and opulence with sustainability.
The show will also include exhibits and seminars that highlight advancements in green technology, offering visitors a deeper understanding of how the future of yachting is being shaped. For those looking to invest in a vessel that aligns with both lifestyle and ecological values, Cannes is an essential destination in 2025.
Lifestyle Programming and Exclusive Events
Beyond the yachts themselves, the Cannes Yachting Festival is a refined celebration of the lifestyle that surrounds them. The event includes a Luxury Gallery located within the Palais des Festivals, where premium brands from the worlds of jewellery, watches, art, and design showcase their collections. This adds another dimension to the show for those who appreciate high craftsmanship in every form.
Private receptions, brand-hosted soirées, and VIP lounges elevate the experience, offering an environment where business and pleasure naturally converge. These curated moments create opportunities for discreet conversations, trusted introductions, and immersive product experiences.
For buyers and collectors, the festival is more than a venue for transactions. It is a cultural and social occasion where connections are formed, and visions for ownership come to life. Whether attending to finalise a deal or to gain market perspective, visitors will find the 2025 edition rich in detail, depth, and discovery.
Planning Your Visit to the Cannes Yacht Show
Tickets, Access, and Travel Tips
Attending the Cannes Yachting Festival is a rewarding experience when well-prepared. The show runs from 9 to 14 September 2025 and is split between two key sites: Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. Entry tickets can be purchased in advance online, with options ranging from general admission to Riviera Cards and VIP packages that provide access to exclusive areas and premium services.
For those travelling internationally, Cannes is easily accessible via Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, located less than 30 kilometres from the show. Private transfers, chauffeured vehicles, and helicopter services are readily available for clients seeking a more refined arrival. Visitors arriving by yacht will find both ports equipped for berthing and tender access, subject to availability and advance coordination.
Hotel accommodation in Cannes fills quickly during the festival period. It is advisable to secure reservations early, particularly at waterfront properties such as the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, and other five-star options within walking distance of the harbours.
Making the Most of Your Time
With hundreds of yachts, two distinct venues, and a packed schedule of events, having a clear plan is essential. We recommend scheduling yacht viewings in advance, especially for those interested in superyachts for sale, as many vessels operate by appointment only, and time slots can be booked out quickly.
Navigating between Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto is straightforward, with water shuttle services provided throughout the day. SuperYachtsMonaco is available to assist with itinerary planning, viewing requests, and private meetings, ensuring your visit is as productive as it is enjoyable.
Allow time to explore both the brokerage offerings in Port Pierre Canto and the new builds featured at Vieux Port. Each location offers a unique perspective on the market and caters to different ownership objectives. Whether attending for acquisition, networking, or research, the Cannes Yachting Festival rewards preparation with access, insight, and memorable experiences.
Begin Your Journey With SuperYachtsMonaco
The Cannes Yachting Festival offers more than an extraordinary display of vessels. It presents a rare opportunity to engage directly with the world’s leading shipyards, explore the latest innovations, and take meaningful steps toward ownership or charter. Whether your interest lies in a new build, a proven brokerage opportunity, or the lifestyle that accompanies it, the festival is the ideal place to begin.
At SuperYachtsMonaco, we are committed to guiding clients through every stage of that journey. Our presence at both Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto allows us to facilitate private yacht viewings, broker introductions, and one-on-one consultations throughout the event. With a portfolio that includes some of the finest superyachts for sale, our team is positioned to deliver personalised insight and strategic advice.
We invite you to contact us to arrange a pre-show consultation or to schedule a private appointment during the event. For ongoing updates, market analysis, and yachting intelligence, be sure to explore our blog, where we share insights on the latest trends shaping the future of yacht ownership.
