Destination Côte D’Azur

Cannes and Monaco kick off the European fall boat show season.

By Jill Bobrow, Editor-At-Large, Yachts International

August 9, 2018

The two largest fall boat shows in Europe are the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. Each is held in September, which is a glorious month to be in that part of the world. The hordes of summer vacationers have left, it is easier to get dinner reservations, sunbeds are available at the beach clubs, and you can drive the Corniche in your convertible inhaling fewer traffic fumes. The big bonus is that while you are enjoying the Côte d’Azur, you can also visit all the latest offerings from builders worldwide at the boat shows.

Cannes Yachting Festival

The Cannes Yachting Festival, a going affair since 1977, takes place September 11-16.

Nearly 600 boats are expected to be on display, with approximately 100 world premieres, including a number of production powerboats, sailing yachts and multihulls. Many builders offer on-the-spot sea trials at the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto venues. Exhibitors also show off the latest in fashion, watchmaking, spirits, furniture, electronics and accessories.

Some debut yachts expected to be on display this year include Gulf Craft’s Majesty 125 and 100; Pearl Yachts’ 95-footer; Riva’s 110-foot Dolcevita and 66; Benetti’s Delfino 95 Uriamar as well as the new Benetti Fast 125 Lejos3; Azimut’s S6, 25 Metri and 32 Metri; Numarine’s 32XP and 26XP; Cockwells’ 34-foot Titian Tender; Nautor Swan’s 78 sailing yacht and Sunreef’s 80- and 60-footers.

For more information: cannesyachtingfestival.com

Monaco Yacht Show

The Monaco Yacht Show, now in its 28th year, is scheduled September 26-29.

This year the show will feature some 125 superyachts representing a combined price tag of approximately $3.9 billion. At least 60 of the yachts are less than two years old. Their average length is 164 feet (50 meters). Approximately 590 exhibitors from 38 countries have signed up to be on hand. More than 40 manufacturers of tenders and toys will add to the mix.

The show includes a Sapphire experience with concierge services, VIP access to yachts, and events. Launch shuttles and electric carts help all visitors cover the show. Monaco’s local buses will be free to ride for show participants, and courtesy cars are available to VIP clients. New this year will be an art pavilion highlighting a variety of works from paintings to sculpture.

Some debut yachts to look for include Oceanco’s 295-foot (90-meter) Dar, Turquoise’s 253-foot (77-meter) Go, Abeking & Rasmussen’s 244-foot (74.5-meter) Elandess, Benetti’s 227-foot (69.3-meter) Spectre, Tankoa’s 236-foot (72-meter) Solo, Heesen’s 167-foot (51-meter) Irisha, CCN’s 134-foot (40.8-meter) Kanga, CRN’s 164-foot (50-meter) Latona, Rossinavi’s 160-foot (50-meter) Flying Dagger, Conrad Shipyard’s 131-foot (40-meter) C133 and Moonen’s 119-foot (36.3-meter) Martinique.