What’s on in Cannes this September

1 September 2016

Attend Two Leading Boat Shows During a Four-Star Stay at Amarante Cannes

With designer boutiques lining La Croisette, the legendary Cannes Festival attracting the world’s A-list and a stunning stretch of white sand to soak up the sunshine, Cannes is internationally renowned for its glamour. However, every September it’s the city’s ports that become its key attraction, with the return of both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Cannes Regatés Royales. Whether you’re in the market to buy a luxury boat, want to watch a gripping race between some of the world’s most admired classic yachts or fancy joining in the many celebrations on offer across the city, a September stay at Amarante Cannes will offer the chance to attend some of the city’s most high-anticipated annual events.

Cannes Yachting Festival

6th – 11th September 2016

This month will see Europe’s largest in-water boating show return to Cannes for its 39th edition. The Cannes Yachting Festival will offer over 50,000 visitors the chance to try and buy many of the world’s most sought-after models, varying between dinghies and sail boats, to multihulls and yachts. Meanwhile, those lucky enough to already own a yacht can look forward to discovering the latest innovations from equipment manufacturers and service companies, ranging from eco-friendly engines to the perfect shade of paint. With 10km of luxury boats on show, this event will deliver an inspiring and lavish shopping experience, whether you’re in the market to buy or simply fancy a browse.

Boasting a 300,000m2 exhibition space, this annual festival will offer the chance to admire, compare and choose between over 600 boats. 191 of these will be new launches, including 107 world premieres, and models will measure from just 2.1 metres to an awe-inspiring 52 metres. The varied selection, which will include 120 sail boats and 45 catamarans, will be showcased in Vieux Port, however there’ll also be 40 second-hand models on display at the Port Pierre Canto; a mere seven minute boat ride away. Whether you opt for a standard or custom design, with 530 international exhibitors presenting their leading styles, it’ll be easy to find your dream boat… and to make the decision-making process a little easier, a test drive will be available for 80% of models. 

Aside from browsing the latest releases from the likes of Riva, Sunseeker, Jeannau, Prestige and Chris Craft, there’ll also be a whole host of additional shopping experiences on offer. Head to the Palais des Festivals to chat to boat builders, architects, shipping agents and to discover the latest trends in décor design, while the La Pantiero section will stock a range of nautical accessories and equipment such as fishing supplies. Those seeking something a little more exclusive should head to La Terrasse, where luxury brands such as Porsche and clothing label Façonnable will be showcasing their latest products. Combining the ultimate in retail therapy with the chance to see the Concours d’Elegance, a parade of 20 vintage and modern boats, this will be an unmissable event for those seeking a sleeker mode of seaworthy transport.

Cannes Regatés Royales

18th – 25th September 2016

One of the world’s most renowned events of its kind, Cannes Regatés Royales will be a must-see for any fan of yachting. Over 50 Dragons and approximately 80 classic yachts will gather in the beautiful Bay of Cannes to compete in a variety of races, while crews and crowds of on-lookers can also look forward to an exciting line-up of onshore events too. From the chance to browse stalls to an array of parties to attend, this eight-day event will see the whole city come together in a truly glamorous celebration.

Both the all-important Opening Ceremony and first Dragon race will take place on the 19th, while traditional yachts will be racing between the 20th and 24th. There’ll also be three days of events entirely dedicated to 5.5 Metre boats from the 21st, and an extra special contest that will see entrants judged according to this year’s theme of ‘Elegance’. Additionally, the Cannes Regatés Royales is the last event of the Mediterranean Circuit of the Trophée Panerai; a four-regatta challenge held across Italy and France… ensuring both attendees and the expected turnout of 2,000 sailors can look forward to a truly nail-biting competition.

Alongside the chance to watch ‘battles’ on the water, boat-lovers can also take the opportunity to admire some of the 20th century’s most famous yachts, including the 55-metre Elena designed by Nathanaël Herreshoff and William Fife’s 40-metre Cambria. Other onshore activities will include a mast-climbing contest, tug-of-war, a whole host of parties, including an eighties themed night, as well as music from ‘Syndrom’ and the ‘Blue Sound System’. Meanwhile, the tented Trophée Panerai Village will offer the chance to admire painting exhibitions and shop for the latest sailing wear at a variety of stalls. With such an outstanding range of attractions on offer, the latest edition of Regatés Royales will provide an outstanding eight days of entertainment for any boat-enthusiast.

With shopping experiences, races, parades, parties and so much more on offer, September will offer an unmissable month of events in Cannes.