Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: The Grand Finale Before the Med Closes

When the Med Winds Down, the Smart Money Shows Up

The Cannes Yachting Festival runs September 9-14, 2025, and while everyone else is packing up their summer, you should be planning your next power move.

With 650 exhibitors, 700 boats from 5 to 50 metres, and nearly 55,000 visitors, this isn't just another boat show. It's Europe's largest in-water yacht exhibition and the last chance to touch, test, and book before the fleet disappears.

Here's why September in Cannes beats August in Saint-Tropez:

• Real sea trials – not just dock tours

• Post-season honesty from crews who've actually worked the boats

• 2026 availability while prime dates still exist

• Fewer crowds, more access to decision-makers

The Numbers That Matter

Let's cut through the marketing fluff:

• Nearly 700 boats from 5 to 50 metres spanning motor, sail, and multihull

• Two strategic locations: Vieux Port & Port Canto connected by free shuttle

• Europe's largest in-water boat show meaning you can actually board and test

• Prime timing: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday until 10pm, weekend until 6-7pm

Why Cannes Crushes Monaco (For Charter Clients)

Later in September, the Monaco Yacht Show will bring the headlines. It’s luxury, it’s high-gloss, and it’s sales-focused.

But here’s why Cannes is where you should pay attention.

Cannes Yachting Festival	Monaco Yacht Show
Early September (Sept 9–14)	Late September (Sept 24–27)
Open, active marina setup	Port-side display only
Mix of yacht sizes & types	Primarily superyachts (40m+)
Easier to attend, more relaxed	VIP only, crowded & exclusive
Great for charter planning	Focused on brokerage & new builds

The Smart Play: Charter Booking Strategy

Book Now, Thank Us Later

Prime 2026 windows close fast. That 40m you want for Sardinia next July? The booking window is now. Post-Cannes, the good stuff vanishes.

Ask the Right Questions

• Recent refit details and timing

• Captain's Med experience and preferred routes

• Flexibility on itinerary changes

• Real availability (not just "enquire within")

Let Us Hunt for You

Can't make it to Cannes? Send us your 2026 wishlist. We'll be there, doing the legwork while you're doing... whatever important people do.

What's Actually New in 2025

The festival added a new sector in Port Canto for motor boats up to 12-13 metres, covering 2,000m² with 300 linear metres of quay space. Translation: more options for day charters and smaller group experiences.

Innovation Route highlights eco-efficient solutions because even billionaires care about the planet now.

Bam Yachting's Cannes Game Plan

We're not just attending, we're working it:

✓ Crew interviews – getting the real story on yacht performance

✓ New launch reviews – first looks at 2026's hottest charters

✓ Client matchmaking – connecting you with yachts that fit your style

The Bottom Line

Since 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival launches the boating season every September. Smart charter clients know this is where next year's memories start.

The Mediterranean season may be ending, but your 2026 planning starts now.

Ready to make moves?

📩 Subscribe to The Bam Yachting Brief for post-Cannes insider intel

📞 Book a strategy call  let's talk 2026 before everyone else wakes up

🛥️ Send us your wishlist we'll hunt while you relax

The best yachts don't wait for perfect timing. Neither should you.