Today, marks the first day of the annual Antibes Yacht Show staged at Port Vauban in Antibes, the largest marina in Europe. The show runs from Wednesday 23 April – Saturday 26 April 2014.
Since it’s creation in 2007, Antibes Yacht Show has become the unmissable show in the Mediterranean. This most important exhibition at the beginning of the season allows professionals to present their products or services before the summer. Typical exhibitors can include companies for yacht finance, provisioning, naval architects, onboard electronics, interior decorators, yacht maintenance and cleaning and more.
The yachts for sale or for charter get the first exposure and last year, many yachts exhibited at the show received offers. This year, the show organisers have decided to grant access to shipyards, giving them the opportunity to present their latest models before the season starts.
The show is also a great meeting point for crew at the beginning of the season. Antibes, being a major yachting hub in Europe, attracts crew from all over the world looking to embark on a yacht for the season. There will be seminars to attend including Crew Excellence, VAT regulations and marine biodiversity. A Crew BBQ will be held this evening for new crew to make contacts, and established crew to share catch-ups with old friends while listening to live music and enjoying a few drinks.
Other points of interest include a Chef Lounge, Captain’s Dinner, VIP Lounge, Press Lounge.
I was surprised to find the show’s website does not have an online map of exhibitor locations at the show, but I’m assuming there are programmes available at the entrance for this information. If I get my hands on one, I will post it to my blog.
Access:
By car: Antibes port can be accessed by either the A8 highway, or the D98 coastal road (bord de mer). There is carparking (pay parking) at the new underground port parking, or near Fort Carré with free shuttle buses running regularly from the carparks to the show. Also, a free boat transfer departing from berth n°9035 (down from Fort Carré) to the entrance of the show.
By train: Antibes Gare SNCF is a short 5-minute walk from the show location. Exit the train station, cross the road at the traffic lights and walk down the road opposite the station (Avenue de la Libération). Follow Avenue de Verdun straight ahead, and you will see the show entrance.
By bus: Bus number 200 passes via Antibes. Stop name is ‘Passerelle’ and you can cross the rail overbridge and then follow directions as per above. Bus timetable is downloadable via this link 200
Accessibility: The show site is on flat, paved ground at the Antibes port (Port Vauban). Last year, there were small steps to the bar and food areas so bear that in mind but from memory, 99% of the show is accessible to wheelchair-bound visitors.. An accessible public toilet (ground level) is near Plage de la Gravette, and also Félix Café through the first archway to the town has an accessible toilet suited for persons with reduced mobility.
When: Wednesday 23 April – Saturday 26 April 2014, Port Vauban, Antibes
Hours: 10am-7pm (Wed-Fri), 10am-6pm (Sat)
Entrance cost: €15 per adult / Free for children under 16 years
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