Before the gates open, a hush of focus encompasses the Riviera.
Exhibitors set up for a day of demos.
Crews prepare for sea trials.
Manufacturers refine their displays.
Two harbors—Vieux Port and Port Canto—move with one rhythm.
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 is a celebration of elegance and innovation. It has something for all sea lovers, whether you are looking to buy or just there to enjoy the show. This guide will keep you on the front foot so that you can make the most of the week.
At a glance
Dates: Tue–Sun, 9–14 Sept 2025
Location: Cannes, France — Vieux Port & Port Canto
Vieux Port (Old Port) has five sectors: the Palais des Festivals, the Jetée, the Quai Saint-Pierre, the Quai Max Laubeuf, and the Pantiero.
Port Canto (the Croisette side) has four sectors: the Sailing Area, the Yacht Brokerage, the Toys Area, and the Power Boat Marina.
Shuttles—both boats and buses—frequently travel between the ports.
Tickets come in the form of a day pass, a two-day pass, and a VIP Pass. Purchase them online and screenshot the QR code.
Sea trials are available. Pre-book them with the shipyard or broker. Bring photo ID and shoes with non-marking soles.
Vieux Port vs Port Canto
Vieux Port and Port Canto are two chapters of the same book.
Vieux Port — new power & systems
Vieux Port hosts the latest innovations in the yachting world.
At this bustling harbor, boat builders, manufacturers, and service companies come together to present their newest designs and technologies.
Debut yachts ranging from 12 to 45 meters in size line the quai.
Premium tenders are on display in front of the Palais des Festivals.
The Pantiero showcases a variety of performance RIBs and marine equipment suppliers.
Manufacturers present the latest stabilization systems, electronics, and passarelles.
The Vieux Port is ideal for 30–60-minute walk-throughs with sales and captains, and for comparing propulsion systems, layouts, and beach-club geometry.
Port Canto — sails, cats & brokerage
Port Canto encompasses many aspects of life at sea.
Pre-owned yachts are available for sale or rental at the Yacht Brokerage Area.
Exhibitors demo a wide range of water toys.
An area is dedicated to large sailboats—both monohulls and multihulls—as well as equipment manufacturers.
Port Canto is the quieter of the two harbors, better for long deck-plan conversations and honest looks at liveaboard ergonomics.
How to visit
If you’re attending for a single day, start at Port Canto. Then take a sea shuttle at lunch and spend the afternoon at Vieux Port.
For a multi-day affair, pick a primary port each morning. Use the shuttle at non-peak times (midday/late afternoon) and avoid zig-zagging.
If you’re planning a day on the water, map a clean 4-hour loop with our guide: Half-Day Yacht Charter Cannes: Best 4-Hour Routes & Tips.
Tickets, passes & opening hours
Day tickets are perfect for a focused, one-port day or a first scan of both.
Multi-day passes are worth it if you’re short-listing or booking multiple sea trials.
VIP passes provide fast-track entry, lounge hospitality, and priority shuttle lines. If you’re meeting designers or doing 2–3 trials in a day, VIP saves hours.
Opening hours are published closer to the show, but expect mid-morning starts, early evening closes, and one late opening night. Build meetings into the first and last 90 minutes of the day when docks breathe.
Buy tickets online at https://www.cannesyachtingfestival.com/.
Cannes from above: Vieux Port in the foreground with Port Canto beyond — the twin hubs of the Cannes Yachting Festival. Photo: Gábor Balázs / Pexels.
Make the most of sea trials
Unlike many shows, Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 sea trials run all week. Treat them like a test drive with a script:
Before the show
- Book slots with the exhibitor.
- Block 45–60 minutes per trial, including time to get off the dock.
- Prepare a short test checklist: rpm vs speed curve, trim at cruise, helm sightlines, sound levels, boarding with swell, and cabin ventilation underway.
On the water
- Wear non-marking soles and keep both hands free on passerelles.
- Film gauges for a straight-line run—you’ll forget the exacts by dinner.
- For sailing, ask for a reefed demo if breeze builds; check winch ergonomics with four hands, not two.
Crew notice thoughtful, precise questions. You’ll get better answers and sometimes extra time.
Debut yachts & what to watch for in 2025
The official debut yachts list rolls out through summer. Expect:
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Smarter hybrid drivetrains in the 50–80 ft class
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Sub-70s with beach-clubs that feel like rooms, not stages
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Quieter gensets and cleaner DC fast-charge tender solutions
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Improved boom-furlers on performance cruisers
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Bigger solar on blue-water cats
Make two passes: the first to feel the flow of each vessel and the second to take notes on numbers. Two short, intentional loops beat one long wander.
Getting there (and around)
If you’re flying, land at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). You can reach Cannes by car in 40–50 min (longer at peak traffic). A helicopter saves an hour on busy days.
If you’re traveling by rail, take the Transport express régional (TER) system—it hugs the coast. The Cannes station is a 10–12-minute walk to Vieux Port. For timetables, go to https://www.ter.sncf.com/sud-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur.
If you’re driving, book a parking space in advance or plan to walk. Parking is tight near Vieux Port; Port Canto garages are easier.
Arriving by tender is possible only with prior permission at designated arrivals—sea-trial lanes get priority.
Where to stay & where to eat
Where to stay
- Stay within a 10–15-minute walk of your morning port.
- Choose the Croisette for Port Canto, Rue d’Antibes for boutique hotels, and Old Town for Vieux Port.
When and where to eat
- Breakfast: keep it quick—hit the docks before coffee queues bloom.
- Lunch: take it standing or late (14:00–14:30), so crews have time to talk.
- Dinner: dine at restaurants on the smaller streets off the Croisette; book 90-minute reservations if you’re with brokers or captains.
What to wear
Wear shoes with light, non-marking soles.
Clothing should be resort-smart. Wear linen or performance cotton and bring a light layer for late transfers.
Small cross-body bags or backpacks are acceptable.
You’re remembered for good timing and quiet shoes.
Productive conversations with owners, designers & crew
To make the most of discussions with owners and professionals at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, be prepared and patient.
If you’re interested in buying or renting a vessel, bring a one-page brief of what you’re looking for. Cover length, use case, crew, tender bay limits, and shore power realities.
For refits, show photos of problem areas—hinges, glazing, locker geometry. It shortcuts twenty questions.
Trade badges help, but tone helps more. If a stand is slammed, ask for a quiet window and step away.
Monaco × Cannes in one day
Even if you’re staying in Monaco, it is possible to take a day trip to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The day progresses cleanly following this schedule:
08:15 take a train from Monaco to Cannes, then walk to Vieux Port
12:30 late lunch and notes
14:00 Port Canto
18:30 walk or shuttle at golden hour
19:30 train back to Monaco; send same-day follow-ups while details are fresh
Costs (no clickbait)
One-day ticket: €40
Two-day ticket: €60
Family ticket: €116 (2 adults and 2 teenagers under 18)
Comfort ticket: €110 (fast-track access and VIP sea shuttles)
VIP ticket: There are custom packages to tailor your experience
Hotel: €350–900+ per night during show week
NCE to Cannes: by car €80–120; by rail €7–12
Meals: €20–40 quick plate; €80–150 smart dinner
Cost is less about tickets than time. Two focused days often beat three wandering ones.
Golden hour alongside: large motor yachts berthed in Cannes marina, a typical scene during the Cannes Yachting Festival. Photo: Raouf Meftah / Pexels.
Packing checklist
☐ Non-marking deck shoes
☐ Phone lanyard
☐ Small cross-body bag
☐ Spray layer for sea trials
☐ Wallet with printed passes or screenshots of ticket QR codes
☐ Two water bottles
☐ Small notepad
☐ Test list (rpm/speed, trim, noise, helm sightlines, boarding, ventilation)
Final word
Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 functions as two compact shows.
Making the most of your time at the festival comes down to thoughtful planning.
Move with intention to see what owners, brokers, and manufacturers have to offer.
Arrive with a short-list, leave room for a surprise debut, and keep your timing polite.
You’ll see more, decide faster, and enjoy the Riviera while you do it.
Planning for Cannes & beyond
As you plan your trip, take a deep dive into Cannes and what it has to offer — from Port Canto to the Croisette, where yachts, beaches, and timing shape the day.
Before booking your yacht for the festival, read our clear guide to APA — Advance Provisioning Allowance so you know exactly how onboard costs work. Then, go to Gear & Style for guidance on what to pack for the journey.
Exhibitors at the Palais des Festivals specialize in interior design and layout. Read the Journal to learn how to navigate maker-picked lighting, hardware, stone, and textiles that behave at sea.
The beauty of the French Riviera goes beyond Porto Canto and Vieux Port. Go to Destinations to learn more about Monaco, Saint-Tropez, and Antibes, all mapped by someone who’s actually walked the docks.
When you feel ready to coordinate the details of a charter in Cannes, our Charter Concierge will help you make informed decisions.
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