What “Crewed” Means

Every yacht booked through Ocean Five comes with a professional crew. The bigger the yacht, the bigger the crew. The roles also become more specialized as the yacht grows.

• The captain is the boss on board. The captain is responsible for safety, navigation and the operation of the yacht. They choose the route and the anchorage and decide what to do if the weather turns. They are also your main contact during the day.
• The deckhand helps with mooring and anchoring. They look after the tender and the water toys and keep the yacht tidy. On larger yachts a chief officer supports the captain and a bosun leads the deck team.
• The hostess (stewardess) looks after you: drinks, table service, towels and the cabins. On yachts of around 20 to 30 metres she often works alone or with one other crew member and does a bit of everything. On larger yachts a chief stewardess leads a team and the tasks are shared between bar, table and cabins.
• The chef plans the menus around your tastes and dietary requirements. They buy the provisions and cook on board. Around 20 to 30 metres the chef often works alone. Larger yachts add a sous-chef.

On a day charter the crew depends on the yacht. Below 20 metres the captain handles navigation and service, sometimes with a deckhand to help. Above 20 metres you will usually have a hostess too. Catering for the day is arranged separately by Ocean Five.

On a week charter you have a captain, a hostess and a chef on board the whole time, with more crew on larger yachts. Week charter yachts start at 20 metres.

What the Charter Fee Covers

Standard charters carry 2 to 12 guests. For a bigger group Ocean Five coordinates several yachts sailing together.

The charter fee pays for the yacht and its crew, who take care of navigation, safety and hospitality. On a day charter it also includes soft drinks, beach towels and the water toys on board, such as paddleboards and snorkeling gear. A day charter lasts eight hours.

On a week charter the fee also covers bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and water sports equipment. Jet skis need a license.

Expenses come on top, at cost. That means fuel, marina and port fees, food and beverages and any extra service you ask for. Fuel depends on your plans: a run to Saint-Tropez uses more than a loop to the Lérins Islands. Tell us where you want to go and we include a fuel estimate in your quote. We keep you posted during the charter and send you a full statement of expenses at the end.

Rates are quoted excluding VAT. For day charter rates by yacht size, see What Does a Day Charter in Cannes Actually Cost?

A Day at Sea

Most day charters leave between 9:00 and 10:00 from the Vieux Port in Cannes or Port Pierre Canto. A favorite destination is the Lérins Islands, about 15 minutes from the port. You swim, play with the water toys and have lunch at anchor. You are usually back between 17:00 and 18:00.

The itinerary stays flexible. The captain adapts to the weather, the sea and your mood during the day. If eight hours is too much, a half-day (morning or afternoon) is available on request. A sunset cruise of about three hours is another popular choice.

Most charter contracts include a weather rebooking clause, so you can choose another date if the weather calls for it.

The Week Charter Rhythm

A week on board has a different pace. The crew handles the provisioning, the housekeeping and the meals. You set the agenda: a navigation day between ports, a short sail to the next anchorage or a quiet morning swimming off the stern.

The standard seven-night routes from Cannes cover the French Riviera coast to Monaco (May to September), Corsica (June to September) and Sardinia (June to August). For the Amalfi Coast, plan 10 to 14 nights.

Before Boarding

Ocean Five takes care of the details before you arrive. We confirm the route, your dietary preferences and any special requests. Catering upgrades, floral arrangements and entertainment can be arranged separately.

On the day boarding is simple. The crew welcomes you at the gangway with a safety briefing. Then the first drinks are served while the captain gets ready to leave.

When to Book

Peak season on the Côte d’Azur runs from June to September. July and August are the most popular months. For peak dates book three to six months ahead. For the biggest congress weeks, such as MIPIM in March and Cannes Lions in June, plan six months or more. TFWA in October works the same way.

In shoulder season we can often arrange a charter within one to two weeks depending on availability.

Ready to plan yours? Contact Ocean Five at charter@ocean5yachts.com.

L’article What to Expect on a Crewed Yacht Charter (French Riviera) est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.

Along the Estérel Coast

The yacht departs Cannes around 9 AM, typically from the Vieux Port or Port Pierre Canto and heads west past the Pointe de la Croisette. Within minutes, the built-up seafront gives way to the Estérel massif, a volcanic coastal range stretching from Mandelieu-la-Napoule to Saint-Raphaël. The cliffs are rhyolite, which gives the rock its distinctive red-orange color. Much of this stretch is wild: pines, red stone and open water. The Corniche d’Or coastal road runs along the base of the massif, visible from the sea as a narrow line cut into the rock.

The captain can slow down or stop along the Estérel if the group wants to swim. Several calanques (rocky inlets) sit below the cliffs, reachable from the water. Calanque d’Anthéor and Calanque de Saint-Barthélemy are among the better-known stops. The water in these inlets is clear and calm enough for snorkeling. Gear is included on all Ocean Five charters.

Past the Estérel, the coast opens near Saint-Raphaël and curves south toward Cap Camarat, the rocky headland that marks the entrance to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Pampelonne Bay

Most day charters anchor first at Pampelonne, the wide sandy bay south of Saint-Tropez. The yacht drops anchor over a sandy seabed and guests reach the shore by tender. Ocean Five reserves tables at the beach clubs, including Club 55 and Bagatelle. Reservations are essential in July and August. Book at least two weeks ahead.

A swim from the yacht, lunch ashore and time on the sand typically account for two to three hours before the yacht moves on to the port.

For groups that prefer to stay on board, the crew can serve lunch at anchor. Pampelonne is sheltered from the Mistral (the northwest wind common on this coast), which makes it a comfortable anchorage for the middle of the day.

Saint-Tropez Old Port

From Pampelonne, the yacht rounds the headland into Saint-Tropez harbor. The old port welcomes a small number of visiting yachts, so most charters anchor in the bay and tender ashore. The waterfront along Quai Suffren is lined with cafes. The Citadel sits above the village and the market on Place des Lices runs on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Saint-Tropez is compact. An hour on foot covers the harbor, the Ponche quarter and the view from the ramparts. The yacht typically departs in the late afternoon and follows the same coastal route back to Cannes, arriving in the evening.

When to Go

The season for this route runs from May to mid-October. July and August are the lively months, with plenty of activity at Pampelonne and the beach clubs. June and September offer comparable weather with more space at anchor.

By sea, the route is direct and the crossing takes the same time in every month. A full-day charter typically runs about 8 hours, with timings that can be adjusted with the owner’s agreement.

Motor Yacht, Sailing Yacht or Catamaran

A motor yacht covers the 30 nautical miles in about two and a half hours at 12 knots and in about an hour and a half on a fast yacht at 20 knots. A sailing yacht or catamaran takes four to five hours each way, which suits a slower pace. Most clients booking a day charter to Saint-Tropez choose a motor yacht to enjoy more time on site.

This route works best as a full day. The round trip takes three to five hours by motor yacht, which leaves the rest of the day for Saint-Tropez. For a shorter outing from Cannes, the Lérins Islands sit 15 minutes from the port.

How to Book

Ocean Five operates crewed day charters to Saint-Tropez throughout the season. The crew handles navigation, anchoring, tender transfers and beach club reservations. Catering is arranged separately and priced by menu.

For peak season, reserve three to six months ahead. Shoulder season charters can often be confirmed with shorter notice.

Contact charter@ocean5yachts.com for a detailed quote, or browse all French Riviera charter routes from Cannes.

L’article Cannes to Saint-Tropez by Yacht: The Full-Day Route est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.

This is not an accessory to your congress presence. For many corporate clients, the yacht is the presence.

The Berth Is the Billboard

Every major Cannes congress concentrates foot traffic along the same strip of waterfront. The Jetée Albert Edouard (also called Quai d’Honneur) sits in the Vieux Port, steps from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Yachts moored along this jetty are in front of delegates every day of the congress.

At Cannes Lions, the yacht area is called Yacht Row. It sits directly behind the Palais des Festivals, where the official content and awards ceremonies take place, according to the festival. During MIPIM, the harbor and the Jetée Albert Edouard are fully integrated into the event floor plan, according to the organizer (mipim.com). During MIPIM, Cannes Lions and TFWA, directional signage on the Croisette and at the major entry points leads delegates to the harbor. The berth is not decorative. It is part of the exhibition.

That positioning matters. A branded yacht in the Vieux Port sits in the sightline of delegates moving between the Palais, the restaurants and the beach pavilions. The visibility is constant and passive.

What Goes on the Yacht

Dockside branding typically covers the exterior and the interior. Outside: banners along the hull and superstructure, custom flags at the stern and on the flybridge, branded carpets on the gangway and deck areas, company logos in the yacht’s colors. Inside: branded menus, directional signage and personalized materials for guests.

Some companies keep it subtle: logo flags and a branded gangway carpet. Others commission large-format banners running the length of the hull. The level depends on the congress rules, the yacht owner’s terms and port regulations.

No permanent modifications are made. Banners are mounted temporarily. Carpets are laid over teak decks with protective underlays. Flags are rigged to existing hardware. Everything comes down at the end of the charter period.

Getting a Berth Next to the Palais

Berths in front of the Palais are limited and managed through each congress’s official channels. This is not a matter of showing up with a yacht.

For MIPIM, companies purchase a Harbour Pack from the organizers (RX France). According to mipim.com, the pack includes MIPIM passes (the number depends on the size of the boat), an equipped welcome area on the pier and access to the MIPIM online directory with a priority profile. Berth reservations go through IGY Marinas, the operator of the Vieux Port (see its event procedure (PDF)).

For Cannes Lions, the festival runs a Yacht Partnership. According to the festival’s 2025 yacht partnership program, it includes official partner status, a dedicated berth in the harbor, branding across digital and physical platforms, access to the pre-festival delegate list, inclusion on the official festival map and complimentary Classic delegate passes. Details are on the festival’s partnerships page.

In both cases, berths are limited and the best yachts go first. We recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead for MIPIM and Cannes Lions. See our Cannes congress yacht calendar for the booking window of each congress and the IGY Marinas 2027 allocation commissions calendar (PDF).

The Dual-Purpose Format

A yacht serves several roles in one day. Mornings and afternoons: structured meetings, presentations and working lunches in a private, quiet setting. On a 30 m yacht, we count at least 4 meeting areas for 2 to 8 people, indoors and outdoors. Evenings: the same space converts into a cocktail reception venue. Some clients also use the yacht as their base for the whole week, with the team sleeping on board.

Some of our clients, such as Arthur Loyd, Norton Rose Fulbright, Amazon, GWI and CivicScience, have hosted guests on yachts we arranged. The pattern is the same across industries: the yacht is the meeting room, the dining room and the reception hall, branded end to end.

What the Broker Coordinates

Dockside branding is not a simple order. The broker handles the berth application with IGY Marinas and the congress organizers, coordinates branding production and installation, arranges teak deck protection during setup, books external caterers for large receptions (yacht chefs handle daily service, not large receptions), organizes AV equipment for presentations and manages security and access control for guest lists.

Ocean Five coordinates the full process for Cannes congresses, from yacht selection to branding installation and teardown. We work with local production teams who know the port, the regulations and the timing constraints of each event. Contact us with your dates and your branding brief.

Planning a branded yacht presence at your next Cannes congress? Contact charter@ocean5yachts.com. Berths are limited, so the earlier the better. For a sense of budget, read what a day charter in Cannes costs.

L’article How Dockside Yacht Branding Works at Cannes Congresses est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.

This is the charter people book when they have a half-day free. It is also the charter that congress organizers use as a client reward between sessions. And it is, by a wide margin, the most requested route at Ocean Five.

Two islands, two atmospheres

Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island. Dense pine and eucalyptus forest, walking trails, a small harbor on the north side. The Fort Royal sits on the eastern point. A few modest restaurants operate near the harbor in season.

Most yachts anchor on the south-facing side of Sainte-Marguerite, in the channel between the two islands. The water is shallow enough to see the bottom at 5 metres. The spot is sheltered from the Mistral by the island itself.

Saint-Honorat is the smaller island, home to a monastic community since the 5th century and today to Cistercian monks. They produce wine and lavender honey. Visitors can walk the island in 45 minutes. There is one restaurant, La Tonnelle, which serves lunch only and books out fast in summer.

The standard route

A typical Lérins charter from Cannes follows this pattern.

Depart from the Vieux Port or Port Pierre Canto at 10:00. Cross to the south side of Sainte-Marguerite. Anchor by 10:20.

Swim, paddleboard or sit on deck. Lunch at anchor with the crew serving on the aft deck or on the swim platform depending on the yacht. Most clients choose a Mediterranean buffet: grilled fish, salads, local cheese, rosé.

After lunch, move to the west side of Saint-Honorat for a second swim stop. Some groups take the tender ashore to visit the abbey and the vineyard. Return to Cannes by 14:00 or 15:00.

Total time: four to five hours. Three hours is the minimum for a comfortable experience.

Why it works during congresses

During congress weeks, the Lérins charter fills a specific gap. Delegates sit in conference rooms all day. A half-day break at anchor, 15 minutes from the Palais, resets the energy without losing productive time.

Groups of 8 to 12 work best on a single yacht. For larger delegations, two or three yachts anchoring together create an informal fleet atmosphere without the logistics of a large-vessel event.

Practical details

• Duration: 3 to 5 hours (half-day charter).
• Rates: half-day rates are offered on yachts under 20 metres. Yachts above 20 metres are chartered at the day rate, because they require a lot of preparation.
• Best months: April to October.
• Group size: depends on the yacht. 8 to 12 on a day cruiser, up to 30 on a larger motor yacht.
• Catering: arranged in advance, served on board.
• What to bring: swimwear, sunscreen, a light layer for the crossing.
• Anchoring: no fees at the Lérins anchorage. Regulations may apply in certain zones during peak season.

Going further

The Lérins Islands are the entry point. Clients who do this charter once often come back for a longer route. Cannes to Saint-Tropez is the next step up. For a week-long adventure, see our Corsica yacht charter page covering the best anchorages between the Riviera and the island. More about the islands on our Lérins Islands yacht charter page.

Contact us at charter@ocean5yachts.com with your dates. We confirm availability as soon as possible, sometimes the same day.

L’article Cannes to the Lérins Islands: The Half-Day Charter Everyone Books est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.

Here is the calendar. Dates shift slightly each year. Booking windows do not.

IPEM (February)

Private equity and venture capital conference. Three days at the Palais des Festivals.

Smaller than MIPIM or Cannes Lions but the audience is senior. Yacht events tend to be intimate dinners for 10 to 20 guests rather than large receptions.

Book 3 to 4 months ahead.

WAICF (February)

World AI Cannes Festival. Two days at the Palais des Festivals.

WAICF is the newest major congress on the Cannes calendar. Yacht demand is still building but growing year on year as the tech sector discovers the format.

Book 2 to 3 months ahead.

Canneseries (February)

The international series festival of Cannes. The 10th edition takes place in February 2027 at the Palais des Festivals.

A good moment for a private dinner or a reception on board for producers, platforms and talent in town for the festival.

Contact us as early as possible.

MIPIM (March)

The world’s largest real estate exhibition. MIPIM 2026 welcomed about 20,000 participants from 90 countries, according to organizer RX France. Runs four days at the Palais des Festivals.

Yacht demand is high. MIPIM delegates have used dockside yachts for meetings and evening receptions since the early 2000s. Berths in the Vieux Port fill months in advance (IGY Marinas publishes its 2027 allocation commissions calendar (PDF)).

Book 6 to 9 months ahead. Berth allocation at the Vieux Port requires MIPIM registration.

EthCC (April)

The European Ethereum community conference, held at the Palais des Festivals. Cannes is confirmed as host until 2028, and the 2027 edition takes place in April.

A web3 audience that likes informal settings. A yacht works well for private dinners and side events away from the main venue.

Contact us as early as possible.

Festival de Cannes (May)

The film industry’s flagship event. In 2025, the Festival counted 16,087 industry professionals and 4,229 journalists, according to the FIAPF database. It runs 12 days.

Yacht charters during the Festival split into two categories: corporate hospitality (brand activations, press events) and private day charters for guests wanting to escape the Croisette crowds.

Book 4 to 6 months ahead for dockside. Day charters book faster, 2 to 3 months is usually enough.

Datacloud Global Congress (June)

The deal-making congress for data center, AI infrastructure and power executives. The 2026 edition welcomed participants from more than 82 countries, according to the organizer techoraco. The 2027 edition runs from 2 to 4 June at the Palais des Festivals.

Meetings, working lunches and evening receptions on board give delegates a quiet place to talk business.

Contact us as early as possible.

Monaco Grand Prix (June)

The Formula 1 race in Monaco. The 2027 race weekend runs from 4 to 6 June, with the race on Sunday 6 June, according to the published F1 calendar. It is a sprint weekend for the first time.

Monaco is not in Cannes, but we arrange yacht hospitality for the race weekend from our base in Cannes. Contact us with your dates and group size.

Contact us as early as possible.

Cannes Lions (June)

The global advertising and creative communications festival. In 2025, Cannes Lions received 26,900 award entries from 96 markets, according to the festival organizers. It runs Monday to Friday.

Cannes Lions is the most active congress week for yacht charters after MIPIM. Agency holding groups, tech platforms and media companies host clients on board. Dockside yachts at the Vieux Port double as meeting rooms and event spaces.

Book 6 to 9 months ahead for dockside with branding. 3 months for day charters.

MIPCOM (October)

The global entertainment content market. MIPCOM Cannes 2025 gathered just over 10,600 delegates from 107 countries, including 3,340 buyers, according to organizer RX. Four days at the Palais des Festivals.

MIPCOM yacht events often mirror Cannes Lions in format, with receptions on board and branded experiences at a slightly smaller scale.

Book 3 to 4 months ahead.

TFWA (October)

The duty-free and travel retail industry’s main event. The 2025 edition set a record with 7,999 visitors and 482 exhibiting companies, according to TFWA. Runs five days at the Palais des Festivals.

The travel retail sector treats yacht hospitality as standard practice during this week. Dockside berthing and day charters both book heavily.

Book 4 to 6 months ahead. See our TFWA yacht charter page for logistics and layout options.

MAPIC (November)

International retail property market conference. The organizers expect about 4,000 participants from 75 countries. Two days at the Palais des Festivals.

Yacht demand during MAPIC is moderate. Availability is generally better than spring congresses.

Book 2 to 3 months ahead.

ILTM Cannes (late November to early December)

The luxury travel trade show. Four days at the Palais des Festivals, from 30 November to 3 December 2026.

ILTM delegates work in luxury hospitality. They know what a good yacht experience looks like. This is a week where service quality matters more than yacht size.

Book 2 to 3 months ahead.

The booking rule

Simple version: the bigger the congress, the earlier you book. For MIPIM and Cannes Lions, six months minimum. For mid-size events, three months is usually safe. For all of them, earlier is cheaper.

Need a yacht for an upcoming congress? Contact Ocean Five at charter@ocean5yachts.com with your dates and group size.

L’article Cannes Congress Season: A Month-by-Month Guide for Event Planners est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.

Most clients ask about price first. The short answer: it depends. A day charter quote is not a flat rate. Several cost lines sit behind the number, and knowing which ones are negotiable saves time on both sides.

What the base rate covers

The charter fee includes the yacht and the captain. The larger the yacht, the larger the crew: deckhand, stewardess, chef and more.

Fuel depends on the program. Tell us where you want to go and for how long, so that we can estimate the fuel consumption and include it in your quote. Insurance and basic port charges at the home berth are covered too.

On yachts above 20 metres, a stewardess is usually part of the crew. Below that size, the captain handles service.

What sits on top

Three items typically appear as extras.

Catering. A lunch for 8 guests costs between €40 and €120 per head depending on the menu. A simple Provençal buffet sits at the lower end. A plated three-course lunch with wine pairing is at the top. We work with local caterers and can quote quickly.

Fuel. Billed according to consumption and estimated from your program. A run to Saint-Tropez (35 nautical miles one way), for example, uses more fuel than a loop to the Lérins Islands, depending on the yacht’s engines.

Port fees at destination. Dropping anchor off the Lérins Islands is free. Berthing at a marina in Saint-Tropez or Monaco is not. Day berth fees vary by length and by season.

Season matters

High season in Cannes runs from mid-June to mid-September. Charter rates increase by 20% to 40% compared to shoulder season (April to mid-June, mid-September to October). Congress weeks carry high-season pricing regardless of the calendar.

The best value sits in May and early June. Weather is reliable, the sea is calm and rates are still at shoulder level.

How to read a quote

A serious charter company sends you an itemized quote, not a single number. If the quote is one line with no breakdown, ask for one. You should see the charter fee, crew, catering, fuel estimate and any port fees listed separately.

At Ocean Five, every quote arrives with a full cost breakdown. No hidden fees. If the final invoice differs from the estimate, we explain why before you pay.

Not sure which yacht fits your group? Start with our day charter page. Or contact us at charter@ocean5yachts.com.

L’article What Does a Day Charter in Cannes Actually Cost? est apparu en premier sur Ocean Five.