The Burgess Guide to Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

What is the Cannes Yachting Festival?

The Cannes Yachting Festival marks the beginning of the autumn sales season, gathering brokerage companies, shipyards and designers from all over the world post summer to exhibit their latest offerings to prospective buyers. Europe’s biggest in-water event, over 700 smaller boats and yachts were on display in 2025’s edition, with debuts from leading shipyards and a fine selection of watertoys to enhance your yacht purchase.

Along with a fine selection of superyachts from the Burgess sales fleet, the Burgess experts across all departments – from sales and charter to new build – will also be on hand to share their knowledge and insights on the market, helping clients with all their yachting needs.

When and where is the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026?

Tuesday 8 September: 10:00–19:00
Wednesday 9 September: 10:00–19:00
Thursday 10 September: 10:00–19:00
Friday 11 September: 10:00–22:00
Saturday 12 September: 10:00–19:00
Sunday 13 September: 10:00–18:00

Vieux Port

Dating back to 1838 and one of the oldest harbours on the French Riviera, the Old Port (Cannes Vieux Port) enjoys a premier position in the heart of Cannes. This historic setting hosts the motor yachts and superyachts up to 45m on display, sharing with quays with shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and service companies.

Port Canto

The main brokerage area of the show, Port Canto Cannes will be home to over 45 yachts for sale up to 50m, and is where Burgess brokers will be on hand to offer private tours, consultations, and insider access. Also on display here are the sailing yachts, power boats, and watertoys.

What yachts should you expect to see at Cannes?

Europe’s largest in-water boat show, Cannes becomes the capital of yachting during the six days it is open, hosting 710 boats from 5–50m long in 2025 and nearly 56,000 visitors.

Guests can expect a mix of motor and sailing yachts across the two Cannes marinas, typically under 500GT, with some larger yachts out at anchor. New for 2026, the Power Cat Village is set up in the heart of the Vieux Port dedicated to luxury catamarans from 11m to over 28m.

Elsewhere, in Port Canto guests can expect an exceptional exhibit of 128 luxury sailing yachts including world premieres showcasing cutting-edge innovations. Alongside these, the Yacht Brokerage Area hosts pre-owned yachts from 25m upwards for both sale and charter.

Your Burgess broker can get you on board any yacht at the show, including exclusive access to the larger yachts out at anchor. To explore all vessels at the show and start planning your visit, get in touch.

The best reasons to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026

For anyone looking to buy a yacht, Cannes Yachting Festival is one of Europe’s most important yacht brokerage events. Visitors can explore world premieres, the latest innovations, and an outstanding selection of brokerage yachts up to 50m across two distinctive harbours.

Beyond the yachts, Cannes offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the Riviera lifestyle. After viewing yacht displays from some of the biggest names in the industry, you can enjoy the city’s luxury hotels, restaurants, beach clubs and boutiques, or continue your yachting experience along the Côte d’Azur.

Planning your trip to Cannes

Attending the Cannes yacht show requires a little forward planning – especially if you want to make the most of your visit. From flights and transfers to hotel bookings and private appointments, here’s what you need to know before you arrive.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

The closest international airport to the Cannes boat show is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), just 30km along the coast. With frequent flights from across Europe and the Middle East, it's the gateway to the French Riviera and ideal for accessing the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Private jet and helicopter transfers

For a seamless arrival, consider flying by private jet to Cannes, landing at either Nice Côte d’Azur Airport or Cannes-Mandelieu Airport. From there, helicopter transfers can take you directly to the festival in minutes – ideal if you're on a tight schedule or visiting multiple superyacht events along the Côte d’Azur.

Beyond the boat show: making the most of your time in Cannes

For those attending the Cannes show this September, it’s well worth taking some time out to discover the charming offerings of Cannes. With multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, a strong shopping scene and iconic boulevards, there is plenty to do around the show.

Fine dining, beach clubs, and shopping in Cannes

Sip rosé at La Guérite, dine at Le Park 45, or book a sunbed at Baoli Beach after a day at the docks. Don’t miss Rue d’Antibes for luxury shopping or take a stroll along the Croisette for high-end fashion and panoramic sea views.

Extend your stay on the French Riviera

Why stop at the Cannes boat show 2026? Turn your trip into a full Côte d’Azur experience with a bespoke charter. Here's how to explore further.

Weekend getaway: Cannes to Monaco 

Spend a long weekend cruising from Cannes to Monaco, stopping in Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat along the way. This relaxed itinerary combines glamour and heritage with easy cruising distances.

Classic Côte d’Azur charter 

For a quintessential French Riviera itinerary, explore Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud, and Îles de Lérins aboard your charter yacht. Ideal for both first-timers and seasoned visitors.

Ready to attend Cannes Yachting Festival with Burgess?

Whether you’re attending the Cannes superyacht event to buy, build, or charter, Burgess is your trusted guide. From itinerary planning and luxury transfers to yacht tours and post-show charters, we’ll handle every detail – so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Contact us now to start planning your Burgess Cannes experience.