Boat shows are perennially popular among yacht owners and buyers. And why not? They’re the easiest way to see a variety of new builds and compelling brokerage offerings, plus meet with design and construction leaders from around the globe. Increasingly, other events are just as helpful for research, while being even more enjoyable. Regattas attract not only those who thrill to sailing performance, but also individuals who prefer a more low-key way to take notes and forge relationships. Those of you who are superyacht owners, as well as friends and family of owners, should put these events on your calendar.
Superyacht Challenge Antigua
Every year, dozens of private yachts flock to Antigua as their Caribbean winter base. The island’s Nelson’s Dockyard conveniently plays host to the annual Superyacht Challenge Antigua. From March 3 to 6, competitors like Linnea Aurora, Hetairos, and Rebecca will participate. There’s still time to join them. Additionally, as has been tradition, a stand-up paddleboard race will benefit the National Sailing Academy of Antigua.
As popular as Antigua is, the St. Barths Bucket arguably is the most highly anticipated regatta. Why? Two words: St. Barths. The Bucket is so popular that superyacht owners and guests plan their winters around it. As of this writing, 35 sailing superyachts have formally committed, with a few more pending. From March 12 to 15, the Bucket returns, but there’s a difference. This year, organizers have added a fourth day of racing. Entry submissions are still open—as is registration for the social-only aspects, from the owners’ and crew parties to the awards ceremonies.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
The Palm Beach show has grown dramatically, with the 2025 edition attracting more megayachts than any other show, including Monaco. This year’s edition, from March 25 to 29, promises an impressive lineup. The recently delivered yacht Amor à Vida, from CRN, will make her global show debut, for instance. Show organizers are still finalizing the list of exhibiting yachts, but expect the displays to include projects from builders like Horizon, Westport, Feadship, and more.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Superyacht Cup Palma begins on June 24. It’s Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta. In keeping with tradition, entry categories are J Class, Café Racer, and Corinthian classes, as well as the central superyacht classes. Furthermore, for the first time, The Superyacht Cup Palma is including performance multihulls as a class. On the social side, the owners’ barbecue is a highlight. Overall, expect to see some previous Cup competitors back at it. The 128-foot (39-meter) Cervo is one of them. “After two second-place finishes, 2026 might just be the year we go one better,” her captain says. “We’ll certainly be doing everything we can to make it happen!”
The annual boat-show calendar starts in September, with the Cannes Yachting Festival being the kickoff for superyacht owners and their representatives. Typically, it attracts about 700 yachts to 164 feet (50 meters). It holds the further distinction of being the show with the most sailing yachts. Better yet, multiple exhibitors permit you to sea trial their yachts, and VIP clubs provide a way to relax or have a more private negotiation. Show organizers will reveal the list of exhibitors and in-water yachts toward the summer. Regardless, Benetti, the Ferretti Group, Cantiere delle Marche, and Sanlorenzo are always among those present. The dates are September 8 to 13, with the Vieux Port section containing most superyachts.
The 35th Monaco Yacht Show runs from September 23 to 26, with day one exclusively for owners, buyers, and charterers. Furthermore, day one sees the Monaco Yacht Summit, the opening conference, which highlights sustainability developments in the industry. Throughout the show duration, take advantage of the Sapphire Experience, a special package for personalized tours, access to private gala evenings, and exclusive cocktail parties aboard select yachts. Note as well that captains and crew have a dedicated lounge, helpful for meetings with suppliers plus show breaks.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Although the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) comes at the end of 2026, from October 28 to November 1, it’s no less important. The world’s largest in-water boat show attracts hundreds of megayachts from 80 feet (24 meters) on up. If you’ve never attended it, its massive size—FLIBS spreads over seven locations—can seem overwhelming. The trick is to focus primarily on the Pier Sixty-Six and Bahia Mar displays. In fact, several megayacht builders have private suites in the newly renovated Pier Sixty-Six, overlooking the marina. The Windward VIP Club at Bahia Mar, meanwhile, is ideal for enjoying pop-up luxury-brand activations as well as gourmet food and drinks.
Cannes Yachting Festival cannesyachtingfestival.com
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show flibs.com
Palm Beach International Boat Show pbboatshow.com
Monaco Yacht Show monacoyachtshow.com
St. Barths Bucket bucketregatta.com
Superyacht Challenge Antigua superyachtchallengeantigua.com
The Superyacht Cup thesuperyachtcup.com