Cannes Yachting Festival Kicks off the Boat Show Season at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes

Following on from a bumper attendance last year, IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes will once again jointly host the eagerly anticipated Cannes Yachting Festival - Europe’s largest in-water boat show - from 6-11 September 2022.

One of the oldest harbours on the Cote d’Azur, IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes occupies an idyllic spot at the base of historic le Suquet, facing the picturesque nature reserves of the Îsles de Lérins which are just a short walk from the vibrant heart of Cannes itself.

Ideally located adjacent to the Palais des Festivals, and boasting 727 berths, the port is considered one of the most glamorous and well-established superyacht destinations in the Mediterranean.

Leading superyacht brands in attendance 

Cannes Yachting Festival traditionally kicks off the international yacht show season and this year the old port will host in excess of 500 new motor boats ranging from 5-45m and presented by market leading brands. Indeed, Sylvie Ernoult, Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, believes that figure could be closer to 640 in total, including 140 world previews.

The Jetée will welcome the globe’s most respected international shipyards as they unveil their latest technological and innovative designs, with boats measuring 22m and beyond. Quai Saint-Pierre will host craft from 10m – 20m and the Pantiero quay will showcase a wide range of motor vessels up to 20m in length. 

The Cannes Yachting Festival attracts leading brands keen to exhibit, supported by the Luxury Gallery located a few steps from the Palais des Festival where visitors can explore the heights of elite craftmanship and luxe living.

Exhibits include exceptional and elegant new products from the likes of Roche Bobois, D-madera and Acqua dell’Elba alongside other leading brands in the watchmaking, jewellery, spirits, fashion, furniture design and high tech sectors.

Port Pierre Canto, at the opposite end of the Croisette, will host the Sailing Area, with more than 120 new sailing boats ranging from 10–28m, as well as  superyachts for sale and charter with leading brokerages.

A first under IGY Marina’s stewardship

In March this year, Vieux-Port de Cannes became the 23rd marina in IGY Marinas’ worldwide portfolio with the signing of a 30-year concession in partnership with the City of Cannes and Marina du Vieux-Port de Cannes SAS — whose shareholders are Island Global Yachting (IGY) and the French construction group Fayat. As part of the agreement, this prime destination on the French Riviera will be enhanced and rejuvenated while maintaining the cultural and historical integrity of the region. 

“This will be the first year since being awarded the concession that we will be managing the port while the renowned Cannes Yachting Festival is taking place, so it is very exciting to be a key part of delivering a great festival,” says Simon Bryan, IGY’s European Director of Operations.

“The IGY team is working hard behind the scenes to ensure we have the right exposure at these events as many of our key demographic and clients will attend. Operationally, the on-site team is well versed in preparing for such events in our marinas and they work very closely with the organisers to create the right environment to deliver successful and enjoyable festivals.”

The Cannes Film Festival in May and Cannes Lions in June this year were also a resounding success with a number of famous yachts in attendance.

“It is a huge honour to host these events in our marina as it brings a global audience to our facility and a huge opportunity to network,” adds Simon. “We are currently finalising plans for an IGY Marinas VIP lounge area where guests and partners can meet with our representatives, have refreshments and discuss future opportunities, including the IGY Trident Collective.

“There will also be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about IGY Marinas around the globe and to speak with our team about how we can be their choice of marina when planning itineraries.”

Emmanuel Messiaen, Director of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes adds: “We have been working closely with the event organiser RX for months now to ensure a high standard quality event with a surface extension. We are naturally excited as the date approaches and we are very confident that this year’s event will be a milestone edition.”

Cannes: The ultimate superyacht hub 

Cannes is unrivalled as a marina destination for superyacht owners, guests and crew, as well as international business travellers, providing excellent hospitality, dining, leisure and cultural experiences, with travel connections that many other cities can only dream of.

“Location means everything, and with yachts and their crews spending a lot of time on the quays, world-class marinas that cater to their needs leave lasting impressions,” Simon explains. “Cannes is a destination in its own right, with excellent transport links offering easy access to both Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.

“A plethora of restaurants, attractions and leisure activities on the doorstep, and a calendar of events at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès helps to drive a year-round business to the benefit of many. Throughout 2022, there are over 51 professional events scheduled providing a huge boost to the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Working in partnership with the City of Cannes

As part of the 30 year concession to manage Vieux-Port, innovative plans are afoot to further develop and improve the port, including the extension of the “Albert Edouard” superyacht pier, the relocation and improvement of the careening area, a new power supply service for large ships, additional car parking spaces and a new harbour master’s office and marina service centre. 

“The aim is to strengthen tourism activity, improve conditions for port stakeholders such as boating and fishing associations, maritime training, tourism, event organisers and brokers and offer opportunities to the local job market,” adds Simon.

Further initiatives include a carbon offsetting program and an electric shuttle linking Vieux-Port and Port Pierre Canto as well as two zones within Vieux-Port. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the show website. 

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Images: ©Yachting Festival Cannes — Abracadabra Studios