Mark Your Calendars: IYC’s Ultimate 2026 Yacht Charter Guide
As we approach 2026, it isn’t just the promise of endless, exciting luxury yacht charter opportunities to look forward to, but also the variety of iconic global events on the calendar to attend. From classic car showcases and high-profile sporting competitions to sailing regattas, film premieres, music events, fashion weeks, and gastronomy-based festivals, there are so many experiences ready to add to your list.
Whether these 2026 events take place in traditional yacht charter destinations or nearby, IYC has extensive on-the-ground knowledge and a network of luxury partners to create incredible itineraries ashore. And, where the event coincides with prime charter spots, a yacht is the perfect floating base to enjoy them.
For 2026, we have hand-selected some standout events happening each month, spanning genres and continents from the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond. Here’s what you should add to your calendar when planning your 2026 yacht charter:
January
Wherever you are when the year kicks off, over in St Moritz is the must-see Polo World Cup. The only high-goal polo tournament on snow takes the spotlight on the frozen Lake St Moritz from 23 to 25 January. It is a spectacle of skill, speed, and elegance, paired with a dose of Alpine glamour, and one not to miss.
Across the pond, the Caribbean yacht charter season is in full swing. In the Grenadines, the legendary Mustique Blues Festival begins on 26 January, hosted at the famous Basil’s Bar on Mustique Island. The event lasts for two weeks and features a range of intimate performances by international blues artists in this sought-after, luxurious tropical backdrop - perfect to add to a Grenadines yacht charter itinerary to start 2026 in musical style.
February
Come February, car enthusiasts can head to Florida, where The Breakers in Palm Beach will host the Cavallino Classic on 13 February. The event now features rare classics, exclusive previews, and exciting events. The Palm Beaches championship PGA resort will also play host to the renamed Honda Classic - the Cognizant Classic - from 26 February to 1 March, which is the first event on the PGA Tour’s Florida swing. Combine these events with a peak winter yacht charter in Florida, cruising the major yachting hubs of Miami, the Florida Keys and extending to the Bahamas.
From the Sunshine State to the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, this year's multi-sport event - from skiing to skating - is being hosted across various locations in Lombardy and northeast Italy. A classic Côte d’Azur winter festival is the Mimosa flower festival, which this year runs from 11 to 15 February in Mandelieu-La Napoule. The event will include parades, entertainment, exhibitions, and a lively atmosphere.
For those interested in fashion, the New York Fashion Week is set for 11 to 16 February, showcasing Autumn and Winter collections, with another event in September (dates to be confirmed) for Spring and Summer lines.
March
A highlight of the Caribbean racing calendar, the St Barths Bucket returns from 12 to 16 March. The 2026 edition will also include an additional day of racing, and, as usual, non-racing social entries are welcome. If you are looking to charter for the St. Barths Bucket, contact our expert IYC consultants today to get involved in the action. The regatta is also renowned for its impressive post-event soirees.
Back in the Mediterranean, the Lemon festival transforms the French Riviera town of Menton, from elaborate floats to orchid exhibitions, and is scheduled from 14 February to 3 March.
April
Just before the Mediterranean season begins, you can head to Monte Carlo for the Rolex Masters, taking place from 4 to 12 April. This clay-court event is part of the ATP World Master 1000 series and welcomes some of the world’s top tennis players. Springtime is an ideal shoulder yacht charter season to enjoy quieter trips in this region before the summer crowds descend.
May
Known for its luxurious events, the French Riviera has a few in May. First up, the annual Cannes Film Festival returns from 12 to 13 May, bringing star-studded premieres, legendary red-carpet activity and prestigious awards. The iconic event coincides with the yearly AmfAR Gala in Cannes.
For art lovers, the Venice Biennale takes place every two years, and from 9 May (until 22 November) you can witness this international exhibition again. A perfect spot to begin or end a yacht charter, you can time your visit to the Floating City to enjoy some of the world’s best art.
Later on in the month, head down the coast to Antibes, where the famous Les Voiles d’Antibes will take place. From 27 to 31 May, sailing enthusiasts will gather at this classic regatta offering thrilling races and a chance to witness some of the finest sailing yachts in the Mediterranean.
June
June is the month of more summer thrills, beginning with the high-octane excitement of the most prestigious F1: the Monaco Grand Prix. This iconic fixture will be held from 5 to 7 June, and a yacht charter offers the ultimate front-row seat to experience the racing. Then, from 12 to 14 June, the Barcelona F1 will be held. Base yourself on a yacht and get private transfers to the trackside, the perfect time to enjoy downtime before and after the event, while cruising Barcelona, Spain, and the Balearics.
From cars to sailing yachts, the IYC-sponsored Cyclades Cup will return for its third edition in Greece’s Antiparos. The regatta combines excellent sailing conditions with a full roster of social events, perfect for those who wish to charter a yacht to witness the racing or even a sailing yacht to participate in the event.
Football fever will also hit from June; the global tournament will be staged and co-hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, and will begin in Mexico City on 11 June. Whether you watch and celebrate from the luxury of an onboard screen and party, or gain VIP access to stadiums for the games, this event - held every four years - is one to remember for 2026.
July
The South Pacific has its fair share of vibrant events, and in July is one of the best. From 2 to 18 July 2026, the Heiva Tahiti will take place. The festival is a celebration of Polynesian culture, complete with traditional dance, song, and other cultural events. It is held mainly in Tahiti, with additional celebrations across other islands like Bora Bora.
August
During the height of the summer Mediterranean yacht charter season, there will always be various local celebrations across coastal towns, featuring parades, feasts and fireworks - depending on where you choose to cruise, contact our IYC consultants to find out what is happening when and where in the Mediterranean.
Though dates are not yet confirmed, the Nantucket Regatta usually takes place in August. This sailing event combines New England charm with an opportunity to explore this quaint and popular East Coast charter region.
September
Another iconic red carpet event this year is the Venice Film Festival, held from 2 to 12 September. The festival invites attendees to indulge in the glamour while exploring the various venues of this romantic city.
Set on the luxurious French peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a classic car show takes place on September 12 and 13. Where collectors and enthusiasts can discover vintage and elegant cars as well as iconic classics. Meanwhile, in Monaco, the yachting world converges from 23 to 26 September for the show of all shows, the Monaco Yacht Show - an ideal chance to witness some of the most exciting superyacht launches and discover those new to the yacht charter scene.
October
Last year marked the inaugural Global Gift Gala Monaco, held at the Hotel du Paris in Monte Carlo, and it is expected to return in 2026 for its 2nd edition, again in early October (dates tbc). The event brings together royalty and international stars to support the Global Gift Foundation and its projects.
November
November is all about cuisine, and particularly the Caribbean’s. As the Caribbean yacht charter season begins, celebrate in Barbados from 5 to 8 November at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, celebrating Bajan cuisine and world-class rum with tastings, masterclasses and vibrant cultural events.
Another season opener is the St Barths Gourmet Festival, with dates still to be confirmed. But, typically, this takes place in early to mid-November and features Michelin-starred chefs and local talent for island dining experiences.
December
Continuing the 2026 F1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled from 4 to 6 December at the Yas Marina Circuit. Before, after, and during the racing is the perfect time to charter a yacht here.
One of the most exciting art fairs is back again for 2026, the Art Basel Miami will take place early in the month (dates tbc) at the Miami Beach Convention Centre. This major international art fair highlights modern and contemporary artists, as well as emerging artists. 2026 will continue to see a focus on digital art.
For those looking to charter a yacht in December and want to experience one of yachting’s most in-demand events, book a yacht charter to St Barths for New Year’s Eve. It is the best location to wrap up 2026 in style, superyachts flock to Gustavia harbour for parties and celebrations throughout the week.
Plan For 2026 Today
Whether it be front-row seats to a world-class sports event, combining yachting with an international premiere or exhibition, or enjoying a cultural event, IYC can help curate your perfect yacht charter itinerary for 2026 that includes these must-do global events. Contact our expert team today to discuss your yachting plans for next year.
Cyclades Cup Photo By Kurt Arrigo