Throughout the year, there are many yacht shows and festivals happening around the world. Some happen in smaller cities like Newport, some in larger ones like Miami, and some happen in glamourous locations like Cannes.
Whether it is a new yacht design, engine, fender, or marine gadgets — yacht shows are where you go to see the newest and most innovative inventions in the boating and yachting industry. They are also where you go to speak to manufacturers and vendors, and find lower prices, package deals and special financing.
Larger boat shows also offer a plethora of demonstrations, seminars, and activity zones, covering a wide range of boating and marine related subjects.
No matter the location, each show or festival has something unique to offer. So, they are all important to attend if you are interested in boating or yachting. But if your time is limited, we do recommend you narrow your list to a handful or two. Here are our top 5 boat and yacht shows to attend around the world….
MONACO YACHT SHOW
The Monaco Yacht Show is the world’s leading SuperYacht show. We are talking gigayachts, 370+ feet. This show is held in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the end of September or beginning of October. It showcases 100+ superyachts and 500+ brands.
The show includes the Monaco Yacht Summit – a one day, invite-only event reserved for yacht owners and charterers, future clients, and their representatives or wealth managers.
The event provides a panel of designers, brokers, builders and financial advisers who will inform you about all the practical aspects you need to know to carry out your yacht project (eg. insights into industry trends and aspects of chartering; buying, building and operating a superyacht; important factors for choosing your superyacht and broker; practical steps for commissioning and building a new yacht; optimizing the charter of a yacht; booking charter yachts). They also will provide case studies – from design to delivery.
FORT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest “in-water” boat show that takes place in October in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show spans 90 acres – 3 million sqft of exhibit space. It is massive. In 2021, it showcased 1300+ boats and 1000 exhibitors representing 52 countries. More than 100,000 people attended.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Miami International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show joined forces to create the largest boating and yacht event in the world: Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
The show is a 5-day event held in Miami, Florida in February. It showcases 1,000+ products and welcomes 100,000+ visitors each year. There you will see boats up to 163’11”, yacht tenders, engines, and marine accessories. You can experience experiential boating lifestyle activation and innovative cuisine. You can attend educational seminars and perform over 150 sea test drives.
This show also includes SuperYacht Miami which showcases the largest and most luxurious yachts.
CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
The Cannes Yachting Festival is Europe’s top in-water boat show. It is held in Cannes, France in September. It showcases 600+ boats and 500+ brands. It gets 50,000+ visitors a year. And there is always several important world premieres happening.
The show includes the Palais des Festivals, a space dedicated to luxury yachting players where you will find yacht shipyards, architects, designers, interior fittings, accessories, toys, service companies (financing, banks, insurance, etc.) and etc. At the Super Yachts Expansion, you will find 30 of the largest motor yachts.
The Cannes Yacht Festival is one of the most wonderful shows to attend because of the city, itself. With its palm trees, blue waters, picturesque villages, art museums – the Cote d’Azur is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Within just a 5 minute walk of this event, you will have access to dozens of glamorous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The Dubai International Boat Show is the largest boat show in the Middle East and North Africa region. It takes place in Dubai, UAE at the end of February or beginning of March. It showcases 800+ brands, 400+ boats, 50+ yachts from leading marques including Feadship, Princess, Gulf Craft, Cranchi, and San Lorenzo.
The show also provides diving seminars and demos, a yachting conference, a marine art gallery, a supercar promenade, a fishing competition, and watersports.
BALISSANDE FINISHING SCHOOL 