sail la vie

If you harbor a passion for boating and would like to check out the finest premier luxury vessels, consider putting one—or more—of these stops on your itinerary for ’23:

sydney international boat show, aug. 3–6.

The land Down Under has a world-renowned boating festival that pays homage to the marine lifestyle, one of the biggest events of its kind on the Pacific. Ticket holders— there were about 45,000 in 2022—will spend five exquisite days and nights in the heart of Darling Harbour, immersing themselves in a combination of showcases, entertainment, educational sessions and product launches. A fan favorite event is the on-water demonstrations, which take place on the Event Deck in a 35-meter pool. Tickets and more info: sydneyboatshow.com.au

cannes yachting festival, sept. 12–17.

Each summer in Cannes starts with the star-studded Film Festival in late May and ends with the Yachting Festival, a tradition on the picturesque French Riviera since 1917. Almost 600 boats will be displayed at the 46th edition of this highly anticipated fest, including motor yachts, superyachts, catamarans, tenders and sailing yachts. The sailing yachts will be on show in Port Canto in the Bay of Cannes, whereas motorboats will occupy the second port, Vieux Port, about 15 minutes away. Ticket holders may board the sea and bus shuttles to and from each port to view both exhibitions. Tickets and more info: cannesyachtingfestival.com

newport international boat show, sept. 14–17.

There’s nothing like the beauty of this renowned Rhode Island city in the fall. With the changing leaves and national historic sites as a backdrop, the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) at Newport Yachting Center Marina spans more than 13 acres. Lining the docks are sailboats and powerboats intended for ogling. On land, plenty of demonstrations, exhibitions, seminars, educational courses and giveaways await. Pricing is $30 per day for an adult; Newport residents and military personnel get in for $20. Tickets and more info: newportboatshow.com

monaco yacht show, sept.

27–30.

Head out to this boat show in Monte Carlo if you’re looking not only to charter a boat, but perhaps to purchase one as well. More than 600 exhibitors will descend on Port Hercules, where visitors can examine premium fleets from hundreds of luxury brands. Don’t forget to stop by the “adventure area” too to check out tender boats, high-tech gadgets and interesting activities meant to be enjoyed aboard. Pro tip: Upgrade to the VIP Sapphire Experience to gain access to the event’s exclusive bar and waiting service, with gorgeous views of the marina to boot. Tickets and more info: monacoyachtshow.com

singapore yacht show, oct.

11–15.

Exclusive yet social, fancy but fun, the Singapore Yacht Show is a one-stop-shop for boaters and yachters in Asia. It takes place at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, where ticket holders can check out the exhibits featuring glamorous yachts, boating brands and high-tech yachting accoutrements. Also on tap is an array of interactive experiences, as well as demonstrations and galas. Tickets and more info: singaporeyachtshow.com

fort lauderdale international boat show, oct. 25–29.

Everyone who works in the boating industry, as well as recreational boaters, knows about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition. Your long weekend in South Florida will be well spent here, as FLIBS spans 90 acres of exhibition space with free water and ground transportation to and from each location. Expect to see upwards of 1,000 brand exhibitors, as well as educational seminars and activations to break up your time at sea. Tickets and more info: flibs.com

valencia boat show, oct. 28–Nov. 1.

Whatever your level of boating experience, you’ll feel at home at this show at La Marina in Valencia, Spain, the biggest public marina in Europe. It features three separate “zones” essentially tiered from beginner to advanced: Discover Yachting, Yachting Life and Passion for Yachting. All three groups can also visit the various exhibition areas, such as one designated for sustainability, one for water sports and another specific to catamarans. This is the only boat show in the Mediterranean that offers “sea trials,” meaning that you can test-drive the boats before purchasing. Tickets and more info: valenciaboat.com