Régates Royales Cannes 2026: More Than 150 Classic Yachts Race in the Bay

The Bay of Cannes is once again set to become a spectacular stage for international sailing. From September 19 to 26, 2026, the Régates Royales Cannes will bring together more than 150 boats, including classic yachts, historic sailing vessels and prestigious metric classes.

For an entire week, the waters of the French Riviera will be filled with genuine racing action. The event is not simply a celebration of the elegance of historic yachts: crews will compete in tactical battles and close-fought races, fighting for every metre of the course.

Cannes becomes the capital of classic sailing

The 48th edition of the Régates Royales is one of the key events on the international calendar for classic sailing. The fleet brings together yachts from different periods and categories, united by a shared connection to the tradition of sailing.

Among the boats taking part are authentic examples of naval design history, including yachts associated with renowned designers such as William Fife III, Nathanael Herreshoff and William Gardner.

The charm of historic boats is therefore combined with the competitive side of the event, creating a unique encounter between vessels that represent an important chapter in the history of yachting.

The racing classes in the Bay of Cannes

The races take place in the Bay of Cannes and the waters surrounding the Lérins Islands, with different courses designed according to the characteristics of each class.

The programme includes several categories from classic and international sailing, including:

• 12 Metre
• 8 Metre
• 5.5 Metre
• Dragon

• Tofinou
• classic yachts racing under CIM rating rules

The variety of the fleet means spectators can watch races involving very different types of boats, from metric-class yachts and Dragon boats to historic sailing yachts.

Where to watch the Régates Royales in Cannes

One of the distinctive features of the event is that the public can watch the main stages of the competition free of charge.

Race starts and yacht returns can be viewed from the quays of the Vieux-Port and from other panoramic locations along the coastline.

Classic yachts will be concentrated around the Vieux-Port, while the Dragon and 5.5 Metre fleets will be based at the renovated Cannes Yacht Club at Pointe Croisette.

The Régates Royales 2026 programme

The event begins with the arrival of the fleets and preliminary activities before moving into the heart of the competition with the racing programme.

Saturday, September 19 – Monday, September 21

Arrival of the fleet, crew registration, technical inspections, boat preparation and launching operations.

Monday, September 21

The first competitive event for the Dragon class, with the start scheduled for 12 noon.

Tuesday, September 22

The other classes join the competition. Dragon races are scheduled to start at 11 a.m., 5.5 Metre races at 11:30 a.m. and the other categories at around noon. The day will also feature an elegance contest for classic yachts.

Wednesday, September 23

A full second day of racing for Dragons, 5.5 Metres, classic yachts and metric classes.

Thursday, September 24

Racing continues in the Bay of Cannes, with dedicated courses for the different categories.

Friday, September 25

The penultimate day of competition, with the fleets continuing to battle on their respective courses.

Saturday, September 26

The final races and official conclusion of the 48th Régates Royales Cannes.

Sunday, September 27

The week continues with the traditional sailing passage from Cannes to Saint-Tropez, following the conclusion of the racing programme.

The Village des Régates at Quai Saint-Pierre

The event will extend beyond the racing area. Throughout the entire competition, the Village des Régates, located at Quai Saint-Pierre, will serve as the main meeting point on shore.

The village will host exhibitors and activities open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Régates Royales away from the racecourse as well.

Admission to the areas dedicated to the event is free.

Historic yachts and sport: the two faces of the Régates Royales

The Régates Royales Cannes bring together two closely connected elements: the preservation of maritime heritage and sporting competition.

On one side are yachts that tell decades of stories about sailing and naval design. On the other are crews who must compete on the racecourse using tactical skills, precision and their ability to read the wind.

This combination is what makes the Cannes event particularly distinctive. The yachts can be admired for their elegance, craftsmanship and historical significance, but once the sails are raised, they become competitive racing machines once again.

For an entire week, classic sailing takes centre stage in Cannes, with more than 150 boats competing in the waters of the bay and around the Lérins Islands. It is an event where maritime history, sport and spectacle come together on the same racecourse.