Stepping aboard a yacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival feels a little like visiting someone’s home, except that the home is for sale, immaculately prepared and shown to hundreds of visitors a day. A few unwritten rules keep the experience pleasant for everyone, from the crew who polish the decks to the brokers working to close a deal. None of them are complicated, and following them often earns you a longer tour and a warmer welcome.
Boarding basics
At the exhibitor stand
Be clear about your intentions
A short introduction saves everyone time. Say whether you are an owner looking to change boats, a first-time buyer, a charter client, a supplier or simply an enthusiast. There is no shame in being curious, and an honest answer will get you better information than pretending to be a buyer. Serious buyers should be prepared to talk about intended use, cruising area and timescale, as these shape what the broker can show you. Having a rough budget in mind also helps the conversation stay realistic for both sides.
Respect queues and appointments
Popular models attract queues, especially around midday and at weekends. Join the line rather than slipping past, and accept that visitors with appointments may go first. If you have booked a slot, arrive on time: diaries are tight, and a late arrival can mean a shortened tour. When you leave, thank the crew, even briefly. If you want to come back later in the week, ask for a business card and a good time to return.
- Leave food and drinks on the pontoon, unless you are offered a glass on board
- Ask before opening cupboards, hatches or engine room doors
- Keep bags small and close to you, to avoid knocking fittings
- Ask permission before taking photos, particularly of interiors
- Turn your phone to silent during a guided tour
- Mind the gangway and hold the handrail, especially in a swell
- Stay with your guide rather than wandering into crew areas or the owner’s cabin uninvited
Children, photography and personal space
Visiting with children
Children are welcome at the show, and under-11s enter free, but yachts are not playgrounds. Keep younger children close, especially on pontoons and swim platforms, and consider a lifejacket for toddlers near the water. Pushchairs are often not practical on board, so a baby carrier is a better option. Older children usually love the visits, especially the flybridges and the water toys, and a few ground rules agreed before boarding make everything easier.
Photos and privacy
Photographing yachts from the pontoon is generally fine, but interiors are a different matter, as some designs are confidential before launch. Ask first, and avoid photographing crews or other visitors without permission. The same courtesy applies on private VIP decks and stands. If you plan to share pictures online, avoid tagging a yacht’s owner or showing details such as security systems. When in doubt, a quick question to the broker settles it.
Dress for the pontoon, not the red carpet
Smart casual is the unofficial dress code of the festival. Linen trousers or chinos, a polo or light shirt, a summer dress and a light jacket for the evening all work well. What matters most is practicality: you will walk long distances, climb steep steps and remove your shoes many times. Avoid anything that could mark the decks, such as dark soles or studs, and remember that the September sun can be fierce on the quays. A hat and sunglasses are as much part of the outfit as the shoes.
In the evening, things become a touch more formal, especially if you have been invited to a shipyard reception or plan to dine in one of the grand hotels. Our guide on what to pack for the Cannes yacht show covers outfits for both the day and the night, while our selection of nightlife and entertainment in Cannes will help you choose where to wear them.
