It’s time to polish your sailing ship. Sept. 12–17, the fourth annual Cannes Yachting Festival gets underway in the legendary French seaside town of Cannes. This year marks the event’s 40^th incarnation, with events held in the town’s two ports of Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. Visitors from around the globe will converge to take in the world premiere of new craft and view a host of yachts, super yachts, sailing vessels, multihull craft and small motorboats. Along with watching (or taking part in) sea trails and the judging of craftsmanship and shipbuilding, guests can peruse displays from major manufacturers of crafts and lifestyle products in the Luxury Gallery that include jewelry, watchmaking, fashion, accessories, design, art, furnishings, linens, décor, high-tech products and luxury services.

Europe’s largest and most extravagant in-water show, the festival will also host its third Concours d’Elégance competition of exceptional and unique vintage boats and classic yachts sailing alongside new and innovative craft in a grand waterborne parade. The event will be held in the Vieux Port Sept. 14. Cannes is the first show on the international boating calendar, claiming more model launches than any other show, plus displays of engines, equipment and the latest innovations in the boating world. The interior of the Palais des Festivals and the outdoor waterfront space will include two themed zones. In the Tender zone, visitors will find day boats used to transport passengers to and from the port and yachts. The Toys zone is devoted to the latest nautical toys for yachting enthusiasts. The roof of the Palais is also the location of the Panoramic, a restaurant with a menu by Maison Dalloyau.