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Ultimate Guide to Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

Insider Tips from a 4-time visitor: Must-See Boats, and How to Make the Most of Your Visit


Cannes—a name that instantly evokes images of glamour, luxury, and the stunning French Riviera. But beyond its famous film festival, Cannes is also home to one of the most anticipated events in the boating world: Cannes Yachting Festival, Europe's largest in-water boat show. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just dipping your toes into the world of catamarans, the 2024 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival promises an experience like no other. But with so much to see and do, how do you make the most of it? We've been to the show several times, so we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how to navigate this exciting event and make your catamaran shopping journey a breeze.



Here's your Ultimate Guide to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

The Cannes Yachting Festival, held from September 10th to 15th, 2024, is the ultimate event for anyone in the market for a sailing catamaran. Navigating the show can be overwhelming, but with a few insider tips, you’ll be cruising through the event like a pro.


Spread across two harbors, the Vieux Port and Port Canto, the festival showcases over 600 boats, from sleek monohulls to luxurious motor yachts, and of course, a stunning array of catamarans. Tickets for the event can be purchased online or at the entrance, but we recommend buying them in advance to avoid the long lines.


Pro Tip 1: The show tends to be busiest from Friday to Sunday, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience, plan your visit for Tuesday through Thursday. Also, the show opens at 10 AM, and getting there early gives you a head start before the crowds pour in.


Pro Tip 2: If you are only interested in sailing catamarans and don't intend to visit the Vieux Port, note that the sailing catamarans area in Port Canto is not in Cannes town. There is a shuttle taking you between the harbors but to save time you might want to book accommodation around Pointe Croisette.


A helicopter view of Sailing Catamarans at the Cannes Yachting Festival in a picture of Port Pierre Canto with Cannes in the background overlooking the mediterranean ocean..
Sailing Catamarans area to the right in Port Canto with Cannes in the background.


Must-See Catamarans at the Cannes Yachting Festival

The 2024 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival will feature a stellar lineup of catamarans from leading manufacturers as well as some 'new kids on the block'. Here’s some of the models you won’t want to miss:


Some favorites from well-known manufacturers:


First timers in Cannes:

To explore all sailing catamarans present at Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, have a look at all the catamarans at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024.


Pro Tip 3: To make the most of your time at the show, we highly recommend using Catamaran Show's unique comparison tool to explore and compare these boats in advance. Our website features detailed information on over 200 sailing catamaran models, so you can arrive at the festival with a clear idea of which boats are the best fit for your sailing dreams.


Pro Tip 4: Remember that getting aboard some of the most popular catamarans often requires booking in advance. So, plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on seeing your dream boat. Many brands offer a booking on their website.



Sailing catamaran Gunboat 72 Flybridge in Cannes Yachting Festival looking luxurious yet fast.
Touring the Gunboat 72 Flybridge in Cannes 2023 was an amazing experience, what a boat!


To make the most of the Cannes Yachting Festival


Here's some more good advice that will help you:

  • Explore Both Harbors of the Cannes Yachting Festival

    Even if you are there for sailing catamarans mainly, it is worthwhile to explore the Vieux Port too to see the full range of what’s on offer by taking the shuttle boat between them. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to also see a large selection of tenders in the Cannes harbour, it's after all the second most important item on a sailing catamaran!


  • Keep an eye out for your favorite YouTube sailors

    In 2023, channels like The Wynns, Sailing Zatara, and Sailing Awen were spotted. These influencers often share valuable insights and personal experiences that can add to your understanding of the boats.


  • Lunch tip at the Cannes Yachting Festival

    If you are into securing a well-planned trip, why not also book the best possible lunch right after the booked boat tours? Enjoy fine French cuisine just around the corner from your favourite catamarans at Bijou Plage Experimental. If you are in Cannes, we recommend O’Key with a similar setting.



A quick lunch break at Bijou Plage Experimental right on the mediterranean beach with a beautifully decorated table.
A lunch break at one of the best restaurants right on the beach close to the show, a beautiful experience!


The Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 is more than just a boat show—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sailing catamarans, discover the latest models, and possibly find your dream boat. With a bit of preparation, including using Catamaran Show to plan your visit, you can turn this exciting event into a productive and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to check out last year’s highlights, like this video from the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival and The Wynns’ coverage of the event for a taste of what’s to come!


As amazing as the Cannes Yachting Festival, and other boat shows like Annapolis Sail Boat Show and the International Multihull Show are, you will never be able to see and compare all your possibilities in one place. That's why we have created CatamanShow.com - the boat show in you pocket that covers it all!


If you are heading to Cannes, we would love to hear how you like our advic in this Ultimate Guide to Cannes Yachting Festival and to meet you there - shoot us an email or DM!

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