A historically sporting and naturally maritime town
A town that is traditionally and naturally focussed on maritime activities, visited since the beginning by the greatest seafarers, and boasting a Yacht Club since 1864, Cannes has been able to establish itself as a flagship town for the nautical event, especially through its International Yachting Festival, the first of its kind in Europe, and its Royal Regattas, a veritable global institution in the kingdom of noble sailing ships and great seafarers.
Every September, the entire sea is celebrated, particularly with the Cannes Yachting Festival from 11 to 16 September, which figures among the most important nautical events in the world, and the Royal Regattas from 22 to 29 September, a historic competition for majestic large sailing boats, rivalling each other in charm and speed. A true yachting paradise, Cannes has four communal ports boasting almost 2000 moorings.
Cannes Yachting Festival - from 11 to 16 September 2018
From 1977, the biggest nautical fair afloat in Europe has been held in Cannes every September. Today, it welcomes 50,000 visitors to the Vieux Port and Port Canto, as well as to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Over 600 ships are present, afloat and on land, from 2 to 65 metres, of which over 200 are making their first appearance. The Festival exhibits 150 yachts of over 20 metres in length, 110 sail boats, 45 second-hand boats and 47 multi-hulls, including 12 motor yachts. Somewhere between a B2B and a B2C fair, Cannes Yachting is the link between summer and the professional events that are returning to punctuate a year rich in events.
40th anniversary of the Royal Regattas - from 22 to 29 September 2018
For this 40th anniversary of the Royal Regattas, more than 200 classic ships and 70 Dragon boats are expected to celebrate in this exceptional setting in the Bay of Cannes, around the Lérins islands, a choice backdrop for the maritime jewels that are traditional yachts. These legendary sailing boats - some of which are listed historic monuments - will once again offer the sublime show of their changes when at sea.
The Belem, star yacht - from 27 September to 1 October 2018
The Belem, a famous three-master, will join this beautiful armada of sailing ships as of 27 September, and will be open to the public on 29 and 30 September from 10:00 to 18:00. It is the sole survivor of the great sailing ships of the 19th century and represents France and its maritime traditions during gatherings of great sailing ships and during events in France and abroad.
Spotlight on seafarers - on 13 and 15 September 2018
The yachtswomen from the Cote d’Azur, Alexia Barrier, will reveal her prints on Thursday 13 September at 17:30, when she will join the maritime “Walk of Fame” in the forecourt of the harbour master’s office at Port Canto. On Saturday, 15 September, the young Arthur Le Vaillant, yachtsman, high level sportsman and entrepreneur will share his story via the TEDxCannes conferences, on the stage at the Théâtre Debussy in the Palais des Festivals.