About Cannes Yachting Festival
Each September the harbours of Cannes fill with boats for the Cannes Yachting Festival, which its organisers describe as Europe's leading in-water boat show. The event is organised by RX on behalf of its owner, the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), and is a fixed date in the international boating calendar.
The festival is spread across two harbours. The Vieux Port focuses on motor yachts and marine innovation, while Port Canto hosts sailing yachts, pre-owned superyachts and lifestyle exhibitors, with shuttle boats linking the two for visitors. Hundreds of boats are displayed afloat, from motor and sailing yachts to multihulls, power boats, day boats and RIBs, alongside marine equipment and technology brands, yacht brokers, marinas and lifestyle companies.
The audience includes private buyers and owners, brokers and dealers, industry professionals and a substantial international press corps, so the event serves trade and consumer visitors at the same time. Visitors can step aboard boats and arrange sea trials by appointment, which turns interest into serious sales conversations.
For builders and brands, the attraction is the launch platform. Many yards time world premieres for Cannes, and the concentration of media and well-qualified buyers at the start of the autumn boat show season gives new models strong visibility. Equipment and service suppliers benefit from the same audience, meeting both owners and the shipyards and brokers who influence what is fitted and specified.
Next edition
Cannes Yachting Festival 2027: what to expect
The 2027 Cannes Yachting Festival runs from 7 to 12 September at the Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes. Opening hours are 10:00 to 19:00 on most days, with a late opening until 22:00 on the Friday and an earlier close of 18:00 on the Sunday.
Exhibitors with boats afloat need to coordinate berthing, boarding access and sea trial appointments with the organiser, and should plan how they will host meetings ashore or aboard. Land-based stands on the quays are exposed to sun and heat, so shade and cooling deserve attention. The Friday late opening is a natural slot for evening hospitality.