If you're looking for excitement, luxury and
sophistication then look no further than the Régates Royales -
Cannes is a world class destination in its own right, and this
special event offers visitors the chance to see some of the most
elegant classic yachts all at once from the comfort of this seaside
resort.
The Event
The Régates Royales
represents one of the most prestigious fixtures in the entire
international regatta calendar each year - now celebrating its 35th
year, the event is specially reserved for classic and vintage yachts,
and as a result, attracts droves of spectators who come to take part
in the action.
Sailors will complete in a number of events
throughout the Regates week - from the Dragon race to the prestigious Classic
Challenge. The action ends when the boats head off on the liaison
race towards Saint Tropez and leave the vibrant shores of Cannes
behind to prepare for their winter work.
Where to Watch
If you're coming to
Cannes for the regatta, spectating couldn't be easier. Unlike other
similar events, it's free to watch from the shore and there are
several optimum spots around the bay that offer prime views - making
it easier to catch the action because you don't have to be out on the
waters. Some top spots are:
- Le Vieux Port - catch the yachts mooring from here and see them take off in the morning (around 10:30) and return home in the afternoon (around 5:30).
- Cannes Yacht Club - as the host of this prestigious event, the yacht club is also a great spot to catch some of the action. At the Palm Beach harbour you can sit on the terrace and admire the yachts sailing across the bays - talk about prime location.
- Les Iles de Lérins - if you fancy a little boating yourself, take a journey to the Lérins islands; if you get there before midday you can watch the passage of the yachts before taking in the sights at your destination.
All over Cannes there
will be other events celebrating the regatta throughout the week;
you'll be able to enjoy everything from the opening ceremony,
cocktail hours, live music and even the big boats painting party. As usual throught the year the nightlife is vibrant and sophisticated - take a stroll right along the Old Harbour which is close to
shops, restaurants, beaches, cultural attractions - and not to
mention all the action of the regatta.
Where to stay
Many visitors to the regatta choose to avoid the expensive hotels in Cannes during the festivals and regatta and find conveient accomodation along the south coast with Nice only a short drive away. If you are lucky enough to know any residents of Monaco who enjoy the benefit of offshore banking you should arrange to visit and hope that you join them on board their own yatchs and can sail into the bay to be part of the Regatta
The History
Dating
back to 1929, the Régates Royales was first organised to honour king
Christian X of Denmark with a week of races where royalty could bring
their boats and compete in 6 major races to see who owned the most
impressive boat. The history of regattas in Cannes dates even further
back - the first event, held for tall ships, was organised by the
Société de Régates de Cannes in 1863.
In 1978 the glittering
event was relaunched by enthusiasts Jean-Pierre Odéro & Philippe
Monnet, and since then has grown from strength to strength, earning
its reputation as the September event to for the best skippers
in the world.
In 2005 the festival
partnered with the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge and has been on
the calendar ever since, marking the closing leg of the season. The
large number and variety of prestigious boats that come to the
Régates Royales as well as its long history make this event an
extraordinary festival for participants and spectators alike.
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