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Antibes Yacht Show

2011-03-09 00:05

What: 5th Antibes Yacht Show
Where: Port Vauban, Antibes
When: 7-10 April 2011
Contact: www.antibesyachtshow.com

Now in its fifth year in Port Vauban, The Antibes Yacht Show is nothing if not optimistic, billing itself as the 'fastest growing yacht show ever'. They also award Antibes the title of 'yachting centre of Europe' and this may well be true because Port Vauban, incorporating the International Yacht Club D’Antibes - locally referred to as Quai des Milliardaires - is the largest marina (certainly in terms of total tonnage of the boats and yachts moored there) in Europe.



Some of the world's largest and most lavishly appointed yachts have Port Vauban as their home port, including Paul Allen’s 126m yacht 'Octopus'; and many more of the world’s superyachts will visit Antibes sometime during the summer.
 
If five years ago yet another boat show seemed like a good idea, more recently it could have been seen as bad timing. But not even the gloomy business outlook has stopped the growth of this show, which is geographically positioned between Cannes and Monaco – the hosts of the two most important events in the region. Whilst these shows are at the end of the cruising season in September, Antibes Yacht Show has another merit; its unique place on the boat show calendar at the beginning of the season in April.
 
The yachting centre of Europe

Coming, as it does, when the ski stations close their doors at the start of Spring, Antibes Yacht Show is perfectly positioned – geographically and on the calendar – as we start to look forward to summer again. And, if Antibes has location and timing, it also has more: it is not a niche show (Cannes is essentially a new yacht showcase, Monaco a trade and brokerage show firmly aimed at superyachts) and cleverly includes everything in the yachting arena: sailing dinghies, tenders, mega yachts for sale and charter, new boats, brokerage yachts – you will find them all at the Antibes Yacht Show.
 
Last year's show included a number of superb sailing vessels for sale, with pride of place going to the 55m schooner 'Elena' (pictured), a copy of the original vessel of that name designed by Nathanael Herreshoff, which won the Transatlantic Race in 1928. The modern-day Elena was built in 2009 and sold by Ancasta Yachts shortly after last year's Antibes show. 

This year there will be equally stunning yachts for sale, for charter or inspection from agents, brokers and shipyards. Don’t wait for things to get better, they already have; go out and get ready for summer!  Antibes Yacht Show runs from 7-10 April in Port Vauban, Antibes.

New for 2011

Even more comfort and quality for exhibitors and visitors will be provided thanks to spacious marquees in the Bastion St Jaume and on the IYCA. In addition, hospitality will be much in evidence throughout the show:

The Captains’ Lounge, located on the Terrace of the Bastion Saint Jaume, where captains and their guests will be served free drinks, breakfast and lunch; a brand new Crew Lounge situated in the Bastion St Jaume; a luxurious Champagne Lounge for exhibitors and visitors alike, and a dedicated Press Lounge also located in the Bastion Saint Jaume.

In addition, guests will want to take advantage of the Antibes Yacht Show Restaurant, situated on the IYCA or the Snack Bar in front of the Bastion St Jaume.

Parking

Exhibitor parking is on the Gravette;  Free visitor parking areas are available upon your arrival in the town (Fort Carré, Parking Bouygues): look for the signs and get the free bus or boat shuttles to bring you to the entrance.

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