Cannes Boat Show

Cannes is known for its famous film festival, but the stars also shine every September when the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes comes to town. Of course, the leading ladies and action heroes in last week’s show weren’t Brad, Angelina, Sylvester, or Tom. They had names like Ferretti, Benetti, Baglietto, Absolute, and Princess—in total, 585 boats from Europe’s leading yards, with a smattering of brands from countries like Turkey, the US, and China. Cannes is quickly becoming my favorite boat show, surpassing Ft. Lauderdale, Monaco or even Miami. The town’s a gem on the French Riviera, and despite France’s reputation for less than stellar service, I’ve always found the people here hospitable and friendly. But more important, the show provides an opportunity to see the European boats you have to wait six months or a year to see in the US, and check out others that’ll never make it across the pond.

The Stars Come Out at Cannes

Over 585 boats were on display at the 2013 Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes, including new models from Ferretti, Benetti, Baglietto, Absolute, and Princess. By Michael Verdon.

Cannes is known for its famous film festival, but the stars also shine every September when the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes comes to town. Of course, the leading ladies and action heroes in last week’s show weren’t Brad, Angelina, Sylvester, or Tom. They had names like Ferretti, Benetti, Baglietto, Absolute, and Princess—in total, 585 boats from Europe’s leading yards, with a smattering of brands from countries like Turkey, the US, and China. Cannes is quickly becoming my favorite boat show, surpassing Ft. Lauderdale, Monaco or even Miami. The town’s a gem on the French Riviera, and despite France’s reputation for less than stellar service, I’ve always found the people here hospitable and friendly. But more important, the show provides an opportunity to see the European boats you have to wait six months or a year to see in the US, and check out others that’ll never make it across the pond.

The Stars Come Out at Cannes

Over 585 boats were on display at the 2013 Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes, including new models from Ferretti, Benetti, Baglietto, Absolute, and Princess. By Michael Verdon.

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