Cannes Old Port
Performance Sloop · 45ft
Fast and elegant — day and weekend sails
- Up to 6 guests
- Racing pedigree · Responsive sailing
- Skipper included
✦ Sailing Yachts · French Riviera ✦
Sailing Yacht Charter French Riviera
Private sailing yacht charters along the Côte d'Azur — the timeless way to experience the Mediterranean.
There is something irreplaceable about sailing along the French Riviera under canvas — the quiet of the sea, the heel of the hull, the Côte d’Azur unfurling at a pace that allows you to genuinely see it. Opera Prestige arranges private sailing yacht charters from 40 to 80ft, crewed by experienced offshore skippers who know these waters intimately.
Our sailing charter fleet spans classic wooden ketches, modern performance sloops, and comfortable catamaran options for families or groups seeking stability. All are privately crewed — you never share your vessel. Gourmet provisioning and a private chef can be added to any charter.
Whether you are an experienced sailor wanting to be on the helm, or a guest who simply wants to feel the sea without managing the boat, our skippers adapt to every preference. The Riviera by sail is an experience that motor yachts cannot replicate.
✦ Featured Sailing Vessels ✦
Sailing Yachts Available on the Riviera
Three distinct sailing experiences — from sporty performance to comfortable offshore passage-making.
Antibes or Cannes
Classic Ketch · 60ft
Timeless elegance on the blue water
- Up to 10 guests day
- 3 cabins · Full galley
- Skipper & hostess
Cannes or Antibes
Luxury Catamaran · 55ft
Stable, spacious — ideal for families
- Up to 12 guests day · 8 overnight
- 4 cabins · Trampolines · Swim platform
- Full crew
Sailing Charter Services
Day & Weekend Sails
Coastal day sails and weekend overnight passages from Cannes, Antibes, or Nice — with catered lunch and swim stops.
Extended Passage Voyages
Week-long passages along the Riviera coast or across to Corsica and Sardinia — fully crewed and provisioned.
Racing & Regatta Experiences
Participate in coastal regattas or simply experience sailing on a performance vessel with an experienced racing skipper.
✦ Our Commitment ✦
Why Choose a Sailing Charter on the Riviera
The Riviera was built on sailing culture — from the Lérins Islands to the Îles d'Hyères. Our skippers know every anchorage, passage, and wind pattern.
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Authentic Experience
Sailing connects you to the Mediterranean in a way motor yachts cannot — quieter, more immersive, and deeply satisfying.
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Expert Skippers
All our sailing skippers hold offshore certifications and know the Riviera intimately — ideal anchorages, reliable breezes, and hidden bays.
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Gourmet at Sea
Private chef placement and gourmet provisioning — fresh seafood, local produce, and fine wines — make sailing lunches remarkable.
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Corsica & Beyond
The Riviera to Corsica is one of the finest offshore passages in the Mediterranean. We plan and crew extended voyages for experienced and novice sailors alike.
✦ Expert Guide ✦
Sailing Charter on the French Riviera — Your Guide
01
Vessel
Choosing Between Monohull and Catamaran
Monohulls (sloops and ketches) offer the classic sailing experience — heeling under sail, performance, and elegance. Catamarans offer greater stability, deck space, and comfort for families or guests new to sailing. We advise based on your group and preferences.
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Itinerary
Where to Sail from the Riviera
Classic routes: Cannes → Lérins Islands → Antibes → Nice. Extended: add Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, and the Italian Riviera. Offshore: Cannes or Nice to Corsica (one night at sea) for a genuinely adventurous passage.
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Weather
Wind & Weather on the Riviera
The Riviera is primarily a thermal wind coast — sea breezes building through the afternoon in summer. The Mistral (NW) arrives in September and creates excellent sailing conditions on the Var coast. Our skippers brief you fully on conditions for your dates.
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Catering
Dining Aboard Your Sailing Yacht
All charters include provisioning. For a private chef experience, our culinary team places a qualified chef aboard for your voyage — fresh market ingredients, adapted to your sailing itinerary.
✦ Planning ✦
Sailing Seasons on the French Riviera
May – June
Spring Sailing
Light reliable winds, quiet anchorages, and the Riviera in bloom. Our preferred season for first-time sailing charter clients.
July – August
High Summer
Warm sea and long days. Afternoon thermal breezes make for pleasant day sails. Overnight anchorages are busy — we reserve ahead.
September – October
Sailing Season
The Mistral creates ideal conditions for performance sailing in September. Experienced sailors choose October for the quietest, most beautiful passages of the year.
✦ FAQ ✦
Sailing Yacht Charter Riviera — FAQ
No experience is required. All our charters are fully crewed — a professional skipper manages the vessel entirely. You can choose to participate in sailing the yacht as much or as little as you wish. Our skippers are experienced teachers for those who want to learn.
Monohull sailing yachts heel when sailing and offer a more traditional, performance-focused experience. Catamarans sail flatter, have significantly more deck and living space, and are better suited to families or guests who prioritise comfort over sailing sensation. We offer both.
Yes — the Riviera to Corsica is one of the most popular offshore passages in the western Mediterranean. The crossing from Nice or Cannes to Calvi or Bastia takes approximately 12–18 hours depending on conditions and vessel speed. We plan and crew extended voyages of this type regularly.
For July and August, we recommend booking 3–6 months ahead. The best vessels are reserved early in the year for peak summer. May, June, and September offer more flexibility — often bookable with 4–6 weeks’ notice.
Absolutely — and this is one of our most popular combinations. Your villa and sailing charter are managed through a single concierge team. Shore excursions, restaurant bookings at port stops, and transfers to the marina are all handled by our concierge.
✦ Let's Talk ✦
Book Your Sailing Charter
Contact our marine team to discuss routes, vessels, and availability. The Riviera by sail awaits.