The Cannes Yachting Festival began on Tuesday and with it comes some 580 vessels ready to show off their smooth lines and interiors. Taking over the Cote d-Azur, the festival (September 9-14) is in its 37th year and has several new superyachts for fans to explore, like the Riva Mythos 122 Sol and the Benetti Ocean Paradise. If you have never attended though, you may be wondering what actually happens at these boating events—aside from gawking at million dollar yachts, of course—so here's what you need to know, from the luxury yacht premieres to the parties.
According to the festival, they'll be premiering around 100 vessels over the course of the event, with 480 exhibitors from 34 countries in attendance. If you're looking to buy, you'll want to visit the Port Pierre Canto (which is one of three venues, including Cannes and Old Port) where yachts are offered by around 25 different brokers from 10 countries, including Burgess and Fraser. You can also test-drive 80 percent of the yachts available for purchase.
Of the tons of luxury yachts being debuted, there are a few that we're keeping our eye on. The 55-meter (180 feet) Benetti Ocean Paradise is the largest yacht to debut at Cannes Yachting Festival this year, which immediately makes it worth checking out. The aluminum and steel vessel (which is customizable) features transparent and opaque materials that emphasize the boat's relationship with the ocean. It has four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a hidden garage with a mooring platform for jet-skis or a tender.
We've always loved the classic retro lines of Riva Yachts and their new Mythos 122 only supports our affection. At 37.5 meters (123 feet), the Mythos is the brand's largest yacht yet and is the first to be made entirely from lightweight aluminum—helping it reach a top recorded speed of 32.7mph and a cruising speed of 29.9mph. Inside you will find Canaletto walnut, leather, and chromium-plated steel. Though the company proposes a layout of three or four cabins, there's an optional five-cabin layout as well.
The Admiral Sail Silent 76 is the biggest sailing boat debuting at the yachting festival this year, coming in at 23 meters (76 feet). The project is meant to enhance comfort and safety with motor and sailing, and was designed to be management by a small crew of only two people.
The Cannes Yachting Festival is a paparazzo's dream event, with high-profile celebrities and business moguls arriving to Cannes in droves to show off their most recent purchase. Where there are stars, there are glamorous parties. The Galeries Lafayette, who are partnered with the festival for the first time this year, are hosting a fashion show, with hostess uniforms provided by French lingerie and swimwear brand Lise Charmel (they'll also be throwing their own show). There will also be a Julian Macdonald Haute Couture Show with Dominator Bespoke Yachts tomorrow night.
On Saturday night, the Annual World Yachts Trophies will be hosted at the Carlton Hotel on the Croisette and will feature a gala dinner on the beach, the fun Yacht Parade (which showcases the top yachts), and fireworks. Of course, if you really want to hit up parties while there, you need to get to one on a private yacht. So you better be someone in the know…or at least know someone who is.
If you haven't made it out to the yachting event yet, you have until September 14 to get there so make it snappy.
