Star-Studded Attractions at the 40th Edition of Cannes Yachting Festival

25 April 2017

Set sail for this year’s glamorous attractions located on the star-studded French Riviera

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017 is set to be one of its best yet. In addition to premiering over 630 boats, the festival will line both Le Vieux Port and The Port Pierre Canto with entertainment and retail therapy. Here’s our guide to the Luxury Gallery, Concours de’Elegance and scenic boat rides across the stunning seafront.

Luxury Gallery Premiers High-End Products

Indoors of the Palais des Festivals (12th until 17th September 2017)

The Luxury Gallery runs alongside the Cannes Yachting Festival with over 16 exclusive brands displaying cars, watches, leather goods and jewellery. The ultra-luxe shopping session takes place in a variety of stalls with a 180-degree view of the yachts in Vieux Port.

Last year’s edition saw Porsche celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Boxter by premiering a new model. You can expect quality handcrafted sports cars, which complement the superyachts close by. Keep a look out for the eye-catching jewellery of Veronique Lelieur and the limited edition watches of Dodane 1857. 

A highlight of the experience is a photo session at Studio Harcourt, known for portraits of Halle Berry, Cate Blanchett and Ewan McGregor. As well as capturing timeless pictures, the creative team are also dedicated to the customer’s well-being throughout the two-hour session.

Exclusive Boat Parade of Concours d’Elégance

Festival Beach (14th September at 1pm)

Cannes Yachting Festival will mark its 40th anniversary by launching the third edition of Concours d'Élégance. Running on Thursday 14th September at 1pm, the contest parades the most beautiful modern and vintage day boats in front of a scrupulous jury.

Motor boats and day boats of less than 12 metres sail along the harbour under the eyes of the media and visitors. The jury, chaired by Annette Roux – President of the Yachting Festival – will mark the candidates and a prize-giving ceremony will take place from 6pm at the VIP Club.

For each boat, the jury will consider the following criteria:

•  Quality of renovation, design and conservation status (15 points)
•  History of the model (10 points) 
•  Rarity of the model (10 points) 
•  Elegance of the crew and parade quality (15 points)

Winners of last year’s categories were Lady Bambi 1975, Violetta 2004 and Intrepid 327 Cuddy 2015. Prizes up for grabs include gifts from luxury sponsors such as Foglizzo, Louis Roedere and Lise Charmel.

VIP Lunch Overlooking the Bay of Cannes

Festival Beach (14th September)

This year, is the first time VIP diners will be able to admire the competition from the festival’s exclusive pontoon. And it’s the first time VIP tables can become members of the jury and vote for their favourites. As well as a table overlooking the Bay of Cannes, lunch will also include delicious cuisine prepared by a high-class caterer; a private table for four to ten people; jury membership and an invitation to the awards ceremony at the VIP club.

10-minute Boat Ride to Port Pierre Canto

Vieux Port (Departs every 15 minutes)

Hop between two of the world’s biggest harbours on the free shuttle, which departs the Super Yacht Extension every 15 minutes. This popular ferry is something of a journey back in time. On the one side, you have the millionaires’ paradise that is Vieux Port, with its flashy yachts and sprawling jetty… whilst on the Port Pierre Canto, you have the first leisure boat marina, where second-hand yachts and the lush slopes of the Estérel mountains take you back to a bygone era. Both have brokers and charter companies with sumptuous yachts and expert teams to help you explore the ports.

Hotel Amarante Cannes: A Short Walk from the Festival

With an exciting roster of prestigious events throughout the Yachting Festival, now is the perfect time to visit Cannes. Our four-star hotel is just a fifteen-minute walk from La Croisette with a wide range of facilities, as you city break in South of France; and with fantastic offers throughout the season, now is the time to experience the glamour for yourself.