The luxury yachting calendar is packed for 2020 with long-running annual superyacht events and regattas that only occur once in every four years.
Dubai International Boat Show 2020
As the superyacht industry becomes more established in the Asia and South Pacific regions, in addition to the popular Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are now more opportunities than ever to become immersed in the lifestyle and have a fantastic day out for the whole family. Here are the 13 must-attend superyacht events and shows in 2020, although there are many more local festivals and regattas waiting to be discovered on a luxury yacht charter.
TYS Yachts on display
Thailand Yacht Show – 9th to 12th January
Now in its fifth year, the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) has become one of South-East Asia‘s most prominent yachting events, combining the exhibition of more than 60 vessels from international brands with yachting accessories and water toys, plus days filled with sailing competitions, fine dining and dancing. Each year has built on the success of the last and nearby private island Koh Rang Noi will also be hosting amfAR – THAILAND 2020 during the TYS 2020.
Even Phang Nga bay is a beautiful area for luxury yacht charters, where there are plenty of sandy beaches on the islands and west coast, the nightlife and markets of Phuket and the amazing karst rocks rising from the misty waters.
New Zealand Millennium Cup – Photo Jeff Brown
New Zealand Millennium Cup – 29th January to 1st February
The Millennium Cup offers three days of sailing amongst the spectacular Bay of Islands north of Auckland, where the stunning natural landscape treats visitors to a sub-tropical climate, clear cool waters and pale sandy beaches fringed by untouched natural forest. The New Zealand Millennium Cup is an ideal opportunity to escape the winter blues and head south to experience Kiwi hospitality and the sensational coasts.
Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai International Boat Show – 10th to 14th March
As the Middle East‘s premier boat show and easily accessed from the Eastern Mediterranean, the Dubai International Boast Show (DIBS) is a great addition for many yachting enthusiasts who want to know about the upcoming industry trends, the latest yacht debuts and a venue designed with events to entertain children as well as adults. Abu Dhabi is a fun family day out with nearby water parks and pristine beaches, while shoppers and fine diners will have a bountiful choice at the Yas Marina.
St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta – 19th to 22nd March
As the Caribbean luxury yacht charter season draws to a close, many sailing enthusiasts end it in style with three days of racing on the glamorous island of St. Barthelemy. During the day, visitors can catch the action from the sunbeds aboard their own yachts, or watch from the deckchairs of the beachside bars and restaurants. Night comes alive with partying throughout the regatta, and there is plenty of opportunities to explore the island heritage and shop in the man beautiful boutiques along the harbour-side and farther in town.
SYS – Trenyan Photography
Singapore Yacht Show – 15th – 18th October 2020
The Singapore Yacht Show debuts the luxury yachts and concepts of international shipbuilders to the Asian market and is a sensational four-day event providing fashion shows, flavoursome dishes, children’s entertainment, workshops and a car rendezvous in addition to a marina filled with superyachts. The nearby cruising grounds of Thailand and Indonesia further tempt guests to discover the latest industry innovations and announcements before making time for a cocktail on soft white sands.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC75 on the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand © Emirates Team New Zealand
America’s Cup World Series Regatta in Sardinia – 23rd to 26th April
The five competing teams are beginning their preliminary races in Sardinia, where Porto Cervo has long been an established venue for regattas throughout the summer Mediterranean yacht charter season. This highly anticipated event in a popular location at the height of the season means that visitors should book their berths early to secure the best spots.
When not watching the regatta, Sardinia has a wealth of beaches for unwinding on the sands and water sports: The snorkelling among the lagoons and into limestone caves is particularly impressive.
Mediterranean Yacht Show – 2nd to 6th May
The Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) will enter its seventh edition in 2020 and will showcase products from 35 exhibitors. The 6th edition was the world’s biggest yacht charter show, with over 106 crewed luxury yachts and 450 international brokers from 31 countries in attendance.
From Nafplion, visitors can cruise to some of the best islands in Greece and savour the towns and beaches ahead of the peak tourism period.
Cannes 2019 – Leomie Anderson
Cannes Film Festival – 12th to 23rd May
The Cannes Film Festival announces summer in style with almost two weeks of red carpet events, screenings and after-parties in private villas and aboard private yachts. The Palais des Festivals Cannes is an easy venue to get to the right alongside the marina and the city has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants and boutiques for indulging at any time during the event. The nearby beaches at Iles de Lerins also mean that there is ample opportunity to get out your water toys or do some sunbathing in privacy while sheltered by forest pines.
Monaco Grand Prix – 21st to 24th May
It pays to book ahead when attending the Monaco Grand Prix – one of the most desirable events in the yachting calendar with berths available in the marina that provides a view right onto the track below. Watch the action while dining alfresco, and if the event has got your adrenaline coursing then the elegant casinos are just a short ride away. During the daytime, there are bountiful luxury shopping opportunities and famous restaurants that will make a Monaco yacht charter a memorable one.
The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2020 – 2nd to 6th June
The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2020 comes with new changes this upcoming year, to allow multi-hulls to enter as well as dividing the categories for performance, cruising and Southern Winds – yachts specifically built by South African shipyard Southern Wind. Porto Cervo will host the event, and the racecourse will take place in the beautiful La Maddalena Archipelago, a scenic reserve nestled to the east between Corsica and Sardinia.
Cannes Yachting Festival – 8th to 13th September
The long Mediterranean summers come to an end in September but it’s not too late – or too early – to begin planning for the next year. Visitors to the Cannes Yachting Festival are in with a chance to see the latest luxury yachts and models debuting on the world stage, or the latest water toys and innovations from exhibitors.
© The Monaco Yacht Show
Monaco Yacht Show – 23rd to 26th September
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is considered by many to be the Western Mediterranean‘s premier yacht show, and international yacht builders use this occasion to debut their latest launches, reveal innovative concepts and upcoming projects. The four-day extravaganza will provide visitors with the opportunity to stock up on the latest fashion accessories and water toys ahead of the Caribbean & Bahamas season as well as buy a yacht or book a charter aboard one of the impressive vessels on show.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – 28th October to 1st November
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is a short cruise away from Hollywood, Miami Beach and the beautiful Florida Keys. As the gateway to the Bahamas for many US residents and international visitors, making it a great way to start a luxury yacht charter over the festive period with all gifts and goodies sorted.
