What is an event charter and why would I book one?

An “event charter” is the term used to describe a yacht charter that takes place solely for the purpose of attending large events and functions. These can be sporting, corporate or social events such as the Monaco GP, MIPIM and Cannes Film Festival, occurring mainly on the French Riviera.

An event yacht charter delivers guests into the heart of the action, whilst affording ultimate privacy and luxury. It offers charter clients the ideal way to attend, enjoy and spectate some of the most highly anticipated events in the world. With unrivalled access to the centre of the shows, regattas, festivals and sporting events, you can soak up the atmosphere close up.

Event charters can be used for both business and personal use to lavishly entertain guests onboard throughout the event. The yacht’s crew will attend to your guests throughout the day, offering refreshments and canapés, while in the evening the yacht can become your personal fine dining experience while many of the restaurants onshore will be fully booked.

Main event charters on the French Riviera 2022

MIPIM – 15 – 18 March

Monaco Historic GP – 13 to 15 May

Cannes Film Festival – 17 – 28 May

Monaco F1 Grand Prix – 26 – 29 May

Les Voiles d’Antibes – 1 to 5 June

Cannes Lions – 20 to 24 June

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez – 24 September to 1 October

Different ways to plan an event charter on the French Riviera

Event charters are frequently the highlight of the French Riviera, where businesses, individuals and sporting events come together in a spectacular show. But to benefit from the luxury and the prestige a yacht charter brings to these events you don’t have to be moored directly on the quayside. We have explained the different ways to plan an event charter and the benefits they bring.

Taking a berth on the quay

With an unbeatable location in the heart of the event, private luxury service from the crew and direct access to dockside hospitalities, it is an understandably desirable and popular choice. With the ability to create your own desired atmosphere by inviting up to 100 guests onboard, yacht charters can produce some of the most highly anticipated and exclusive occasions during the event.

If being on the quayside sounds like the way forward, be sure to book a yacht and port berth early as there is limited space. Also be aware that there are high port fees during events such as the Monaco GP compared to other times of the year.

Drop anchor in the bay

Avoiding the need to book a yacht early and reserve a berth on the quayside, anchoring your charter yacht in the bay and commuting in via tender or helicopter lends itself to a popular choice for those attending the events. With the ability to attend all the dockside events and hospitalities by booking in advance, a full experience can still be guaranteed.

After you have had your fill of the events and the socialising, make the short commute back to your yacht where you can still enjoy all the luxury and privacy a yacht charter offers.

Take a berth in neighbouring ports

Ports such as Cap D’Ail are a mere stone’s throw away from the action taking place in Monaco. If you’d prefer to be docked on the quay, but away from the crowds found in the centre of the event, alternative ports nearby such as Cap D’Ail offer an easy, and often cheaper, means to attend the large events on the French Riviera. In fact, some yachts available for charter throughout the event may have a permanent berth, lowering the cost of a charter dramatically by avoiding high port fees and the need to book in advance. With only a short commute by tender, clients can still host multiple guests for drinks, canapés and dinner onboard.