Words by Rebecca Whitlocke
Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous events on the French Riviera and the cinema industry’s top film producers, actors and A-listers add to the luxury with high-profile arrivals on the world’s finest luxury yachts.
The 71st Cannes Film Festival will be hosted from May 8 to May 19 and be presided over by two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, who has been named as President of the Jury that will decide the winner of the Palme d’Or, the highest prize for competing films.
The jury of five women and four men from seven nationalities and five continents, includes filmmakers Denis Villeneuve, Ava DuVernay, Andrey Zvyagintsev and Robert Guédiguian, actresses Kristen Stewart and Léa Seydoux, actor Chang Chen alongside Burundian composer/singer Khadja Nin.
Cannes Film Festival Yacht Charters
The awaiting paparazzi slink past the five-star hotels and crowd the Croisette as stars and supermodels climb the red steps at the Palais des Festivals, before continuing the fun aboard yachts moored at Vieux Port or in the bay of Cannes.
Security measures are tight with extended security perimeters, anti-drone systems and a sea of black-suited guards monitoring celebrities who alternate between red carpet appearances, flitting between press conferences or enjoying gourmet meals paired with the finest Champagnes.
Many festival attendees take the opportunity for a change of pace by booking day charters to swim in the clear azure waters at the nearby Lérins Islands, or lunch on the beach with fresh langoustine and chilled rosé at Pampelonne near Saint-Tropez.
Naturally, the popular charter yachts get cherry picked by repeat clients so it’s highly advisable to consult an expert charter broker, who can find a suitable yacht for you complete with professional crew, luxury transfers and VIP restaurant bookings.
Top places (other than the Palais des Festivals) to spot stars during Cannes Film Festival are La Palme d’Or, InterContinental Carlton Cannes, Hôtel Martinez, Bâoli Cannes, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto and Michelangelo’s restaurant in Antibes.
The best parties at Cannes Film Festival 2018
Glittering parties are de rigueur during festival time – expect to see bejewelled celebrities stealing the limelight at Paul Allen’s annual superyacht party, or the 25th anniversary amfAR Gala Cannes that will be hosted on Thursday May 17 at the beautiful Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, attended by a prestigious list of entertainment names, supermodels and the French Riviera’s social elite.
The most luxurious yachts for charter during Cannes Film Festival are at their show-stopping best during festival time with plenty of entertaining areas, first-class suites, sublime catering, flexible space for industry meetings and exceptional party atmospheres with cocktail bars and Jacuzzis.
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine spoke to Jenny Caird, Founder and CEO of 212 Yachts about why Cannes Film Festival yacht charters are in high demand. Jenny says, “Every year the biggest and most memorable yacht parties are hosted in the Port and bay of Cannes. Cannes Film Festival is the ultimate event for global cinema and therefore our clientele demands exceptional service for rental of motor yachts, sailing yachts and superyacht tenders to showcase their brand and clients in the best way possible.”
From Cannes Film Festival to Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2018
Spring is the pathway to the busy Mediterranean yacht charter season with Cannes Film Festival a fantastic prelude to the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. It’s possible to attend both fashionable events, so book in advance to extend your luxury yacht charter and experience the best of the French Riviera.