Get Your Ticket: The Best Summer Events To Enjoy By Yacht
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Get Your Ticket: The Best Summer Events To Enjoy By Yacht

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for the global events calendar; the season welcomes a range of iconic events worldwide to attend. And what better way to experience these events than while on a luxury yacht charter?

A superyacht isn't just a luxurious way to vacation this summer, but it can also enable you to have front-row access to some of the world's most high-profile and exclusive events. There is something truly special and unique about being able to dock in front of the world's best film festivals, be out on the water to watch regattas, and dockside for the best motor racing. Here are some of our favorite events not to miss this summer:

Cannes Film Festival, Cannes

As one of the most popular yacht charter destinations, the French Riviera is never short of an event or two during summer. The world's most glamorous film festival will kick off the summer in Cannes. 

The Cannes International Film Festival is from 13 to 24 May this year. The perk for charter guests here is to dock in Cannes Vieux Port or nearby to enjoy a gateway to the red-carpet action. 

Not only can you soak up the A-list atmosphere, but you can also attend premieres and afterparties, with some of the best private screenings and soirees happening onboard. After the festival, you can spend time cruising the French Riviera, hopping over to the Lerins Islands for some downtime, anchoring in picturesque bays, and embracing the beginning of the summer season before the crowds descend.

aerial view of cannes fireworks at night during the cannes film festival

Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco

In Monaco, from 22 to 25 May, the Grand Prix will take place. The most exciting event in the global Formula 1 calendar, this thrilling and high-octane event is one not to miss. On a yacht charter, you can berth in Port Hercule for the best trackside views from the comfort of a luxury superyacht. The Monaco Grand Prix provides the ultimate hospitality experience, from champagne flowing on deck and gourmet food to post-race parties; it is one of the best times of year to enjoy Monaco. Once you have embraced the VIP experience, continue your yacht charter and cruise the French Riviera, soaking up the pre-summer atmosphere as the beach clubs and fine dining restaurants open their doors.

a ferrari f1 car at the monaco grand prix

Cyclades Cup, Antiparos

From the French Riviera to the Greek islands, IYC is proud to be returning as a gold sponsor of this new regatta event this summer. Last year's inaugural regatta was a huge success, and this year is more of the same. Hosted from 15 to 22 June in Antiparos, the Cyclades Cup is the newest event on the superyacht racing circuit. 

Antiparos offers steady winds, and June is the perfect time to experience the Cyclades islands on a yacht charter before the height of summer. It isn't just about the sailing yacht racing here, but the social calendar of sundowners, gourmet dinners, and cultural excursions.

aerial view of 3 sailing yacht at the the cyclades cup sailing by antiparos

Royal Ascot, UK

Held from 17 to 21 June, Royal Ascot is one of the world's most iconic horse racing meetings. The event is a prelude to the British summer social season. 

The day before the event is the Goffs London Sale, where IYC is a sponsor, giving premier access to potential buyers to a thoroughbred auction held in Kensington Palace Gardens.

a horse race during the royal ascot

Palma Superyacht Cup, Palma

The Palma Superyacht Cup, running from 25 to 28 June, is an ideal event to start summer yacht charters in the Balearic Islands. This 29th edition of the Mallorcan regatta is the longest-running in Europe and perfect for seasoned and social sailors. The regatta is not just for those racing but for those wanting to charter yachts to watch out on the water or simply soak up the energetic social scene throughout the event. 

While cruising here, extend your itinerary and head to the other islands of nearby Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera for picturesque anchorages, crystal-clear waters, and a complete Mediterranean yachting experience.

a sailing yacht at the palma superyacht cup with palma on the background

Art Basel, Switzerland

For art enthusiasts and collectors, the famous Art Basel is happening from 19 to 22 June in Switzerland this summer. A week of exclusive exhibitions, private viewings, and parties is a must-attend event for those searching for the perfect art piece for their yacht or residence. 

The fair brings together the international art world, featuring over 290 leading galleries and more than 4,000 artists. Later in the year - those on a yacht charter in Miami during the winter - head to the Miami Beach edition of Art Basel from 5 to 7 December. 

Tour de France, France

The annual premier cycling race, Tour de France, begins in Lille on 5 July and continues throughout multiple stages across France, ending in Paris on 27 July. 

If you charter a yacht throughout this time and are interested in witnessing some of the world's best cycling, head inland to catch some of the key stages, especially those near the coastal region of Montpellier. The grand finale in Paris is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a luxurious city layover before heading to your yacht charter destination. 

cyclists at the roads of bordeaux at the tour de france

Wimbledon, UK

Another standout event in the UK this summer is Wimbledon, the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, which will be held from 30 June to 13 July this year. It is an essential date in the summer social calendar for those who appreciate the sport combined with time-honored British tradition. 

Being in London in June is perfect for those wanting to attend Wimbledon before or after a yacht charter, with plenty of airports catering to private jets, where you can easily hop over to the yacht in the Mediterranean.

a tennis player preparing to serve at Wimbledon

July Fourth Celebrations, East Coast US

On the other side of the pond, enjoy Fourth of July celebrations across the US, particularly special when on a yacht charter. Spanning the East Coast, there are a range of yachting locations ideal for a July Fourth charter, from The Hamptons and New England down to Florida and the Florida Keys. 

A yacht charter during this period can offer gourmet American-style barbecues, front-row views of the best Independence Day firework displays, and an excellent platform to throw a party onboard.

group of people watching the fireworks at 4th of july during sunset at nantucket new england

Venice Film Festival, Venice

Venice is one of Italy's most celebrated yachting destinations, and this summer, the Venice Film Festival will be taking center stage from 27 August to 6 September. 

A yacht's deck provides a prime spot to watch the action of one of the oldest film festivals. While on a yacht in Venice, wander the labyrinth of streets and waterways, attend the premieres, and embrace gatherings and afterparties onboard during this late summer period.

a red sign giving directions to the venues of the venice film festival

Cannes Yachting Festival, Cannes

September rounds off the summer with the yacht shows of the French Riviera. First up, from 9 to 14 September, is the Cannes Yachting Festival. As Europe's leading in-water yacht show, you can be the first to tour new launches, meet builders, and enjoy Cannes late-summer vibes. 

Enjoying a yacht charter before and ending at the show is perfect for prospective buyers looking to purchase a yacht in time for the Caribbean cruising season or the following year.

aerial view of the cannes harbor at night during the cannes yachting festivalp

Monaco Yacht Show, Monaco

The pièce de résistance of yacht shows on the French Riviera is the Monaco Yacht Show, which will take place from 24 to 27 September this year. Attending with IYC means you will have exclusive access to The Lounge, our luxury hospitality hub full of social and networking events throughout the show - a must-visit show to tour new yachts and enjoy the social scene of Monaco during this energetic period. 

IYC will be in full force with a spectacular lineup of our fleet for charter and sale for prospective and current clients.

aerial view of monaco at the monaco yacht show

Experiencing these global summer events on a yacht charter offers access, exclusivity, and a whole array of lifestyle benefits. Contact our expert consultants to learn more about available yachts for charter this summer and events to include on your itinerary.

Photo for Palma Superyacht Cup by Sailing Energy/The Superyacht Cup, Photo for Art Basel is Courtesy of Art Basel, Wimbledon photo by fovivafoto, Venice Film Festival photo by Marco Corbelli