YACHTING CALENDAR 2022

The Covid pandemic might have put a halt to a number of the world’s biggest events in 2021, but thankfully 2022 is back in business. Be it participating in a spectacular regatta or bagging a front row seat to a glamorous film festival or action-packed grand prix, chartering a luxury yacht is the epitome of event attendance. There’s no better time to round up your family and friends for an occasion to remember, so read on for our comprehensive itinerary of the top events unfolding around the world each and every month.

If you’re looking forward to bidding adieu to 2021, head to the Caribbean island of St Barths to ring in the new year. For those looking for some winter sun, now is the perfect time to head to Dubai where Expo 2020 is in full swing – you could even add on a charter across the Red Sea which, home to a stunning marine ecosystem, is a haven for divers. Alternatively, if you’re craving the cold, it’s also prime time to head to the icy caps of Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. A draw for the most impressive superyachts South East Asia has to offer, the Chinese New Year kicks off on February 1, with 23 days of star-studded celebrations. The New Zealand Millennium Cup, billed as a superyacht regatta in one of the world’s greatest natural playgrounds, returns on February 14, which also coincides with Valentine’s Day – why not consider surprising your love with a luxury charter in the Bahamas? It’s also the month for the Miami Yacht Show, which will showcase the world’s most extraordinary yachts between February 16-20. March gets off to a flying start with five days of luxury boating action at Dubai International Boat Show (March 8-12), while some of the world’s most talented sailors will head to the Caribbean to race at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, which begins on March 9. Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, it’s sure to be a spectacle to behold. Be sure to add the St. Barths Bucket Regatta to your list too which, taking place between March 17-20, sees top sailing superyachts compete in sublime waters.

April marks Easter (April 17), so why not make the most of the perfect weather and school holidays with a sailing trip around Croatia and Montenegro, or visit Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula for world-class tacos and tequila? The 6th edition of the Thailand Yacht Show is finally back too, with its first part being held in Pattaya between April 7-10. For all things charter and brokerage, the popular Palma International Boat Show falls this month too, with four days of action from April 28. If you’re looking for some swanky events to rock up to on your even swankier superyacht, then May is the perfect month for it. It kicks off with the St Lucia Jazz Fest (May 1-10) followed closely by the Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28) which will see film stars, fans and partygoers come together for the start of the Mediterranean summer. Your yacht’s luxurious decks will also make the perfect front-row seat for the Monaco Grand Prix (May 26-29), which is sure to attract an exclusive number of A-list names. A busy month for regattas, the beginning of June marks the return of the annual Les Voiles d’Antibes (June 1-5), which will see an elegant fleet of sailing yachts head to the Côte d’Azur. The 14th edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta follows on June 7, with a host of pedigree sailing yachts returning to the waters of Porto Cervo for five days of action-packed racing. Europe’s longest-running regatta, the Superyacht Cup Palma (June 29 – July 2) is also a favourite with yacht owners, friends, captains and crew.

We are currently living in unprecedented times and while we have highlighted a selection of events that usually take place across the year, many may yet be postponed or cancelled. The events and any dates included here are correct at time of print.

There are plenty of luxury yacht charter destinations perfect for the summer, so now is the time to check out the breathtaking natural scenery of the Greek Islands, or soak up the sun in the azure waters of Sardinia. Nearby Sicily is also a great shout this time of year which, as the largest island in the Mediterranean, is much loved for its rich and varied cultural history, vibrant street food scene and plethora of stunning natural parks in which to explore. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds of the Mediterranean this summer, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance takes place in California on Sunday August 21. The finale of the Monterey Car Week, which begins on April 12, this exclusive event attracts collectors and lovers of vintage cars from all over the world. You can also rub shoulders with movie stars at the Venice Film Festival (August 31 - September 10), a picture-perfect event for arrival by superyacht.

Another jam-packed month, there are plenty of glitzy events happening throughout September including the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 6-11), Newport International Boat Show (September 15-18), and the crème de la crème of the superyacht world, the Monaco Yacht Show, which is taking place between September 28 – October 1. Cruise on over after Les Voiles de Saint Tropez (September 25 - October 1), where you’ll witness a world-famous fleet of classic yachts in competition.

You can spot the Northern Lights as early as October in Norway, and there’s no better way to experience this world wonder than from the deck of your yacht. It’s a bucket list experience not to be missed. Those looking for warmer climes can experience the world’s largest boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (November 26-30) before heading off to the crystal waters of the Leeward Islands. All eyes are on the Middle East this month as the beautiful game, the Qatar World Cup, takes over Doha from November 21 - December 18. As the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Arab region, it’s sure to afford football fans the time of their lives. You can also prepare for some exciting motor racing action at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (November 17-20) which promises an unforgettable, star-studded experience in the Middle East’s most affluent and luxurious city. Seeing the year out in style, art enthusiasts should head to Miami for Art Basel which opens on December 1. Here, A-list yacht parties are a regular occurrence. The Thailand Kata Rocks Rendezvous follows from December 8-10, an invitation-only superyacht event for owners, glitterati and guests. This year we can expect one of the show’s largest fleets to date, plus plenty of cocktails and entertainment that will keep the party going into the early hours.