Vieux-Port - Harbour, Cannes

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It was interesting to look at the ensigns of the racing yachts moored in the Vieux-Port as these flags flown at the stern of a boat indicate its nationality.
Most of them flow the "Red Ensign" (photo 2) from the British civilian vessels and the variations belonging to Commonwealth countries. The Red Ensign is a red flag with the Union Flag in the canton (the upper corner next the staff).
A remakable ensign often met on these racing yachts and also on the luxus motor yachts is that of the Isle of Man with the three conjoined legs called "triskelion", the symbol of Man (photo 1). The "triskelion" symbol goes back to the ancient Greek and is also found in the Norse mythology where it was a symbol of the movement of the sun through the heavens.
I suppose that nowadays the choice of this ensign of the Isle of Man, a Crown dependency, has some fiscal reasons what explains that there were more ensigns of "fiscal heavens" than of "fiscal hells" on the yachts.

Unfortunately I was not invited on board of one of these marvellous racing yachts participating to the Royal regattas although I might have refused an invitation.
I don't like to leave my shoes on a public quay!
Walking barefooted on a cold deck or on my socks, which I consider as too intimate to be shown in public, is not what I really like to do.
As you can see from my photo some well organized skippers put a basket for the visitors' sandals at the gangway.

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When I was twenty I decided that if I did not marry I would buy a Dragon, in my opinion the most elegant of all sailing keel boats. As I did marry I forgot sailing but was very pleased to find 80 Dragons moored at the Yacht Club of Cannes for the "Régates Royales" at the end of September.

The Dragon produced since 1928 is still a successful international class with his 8,90 m length and 2 m width. Since the seventies the hulls have been build in glass reinforced polyester. Those in wood are now the "classics".
The Dragon has the reputation of being the most exciting and demanding keel boat to sail.

But what about the price of my former dream sailing boat?
A new Dragon costs about 150.000 € (the price of a Maserati car!), a second hand starts around 10.000 €.
Can you imagine what a fortune my photo represents?

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The Cannes marina, like many along the Riviera, was packed with big, beautiful yachts. In addition, there was a yacht and boat show going on when we were visiting.

Take a walk along the marina and check out some of the yachts moored there.

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Cannes has two large ports, le Vieux Port and Port Canto, each of which boasts an incredible collection of luxury yachts. Take a stroll through either port, particulary the smaller and more exclusive Port Canto, to admire these amazing yachts. The best time for the stroll is in the late afternoon or early evening before the sun sets.

Cannes harbour was one of the safer harbours along the Cote d'Azur, because the view was reaching far and thus danger could be spotted quite early. With the munks at the Ile Saint-Honorat and in the castle tower, the harbour was popular especially by fishermen. Now-a-days only few fisher boats lay in the old harbour, which is almost as packed as the new yaught harbour near Palm Beach.

Lovers of boats and yaughts can spend days and dyas on the shores of Cannes. Bring a binoculars and watch the hundreds of floating fortresses as well as graceful sailboats in the bay of Cannes. In a seperate travelogue I have added some pictures to show the variety of ships that are anchored in the bay, while their masters enjoy the leisures in Cannes.

Rank 31 in the worlds hundred largest yatchs is 235 foot Tueq (pronounced “Tewk”). The owner is reportedly the brother of Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, Prince Salman. He and the rest of the royal family were spotted aboard the five-deck yacht by the French newspaper Le Monde last August. Moored here in Cannes.

Cannes port is a very popular tourist spot.Hundreds of boats and luxury yachts moor here every year.I walked along the Allees de la Liberte which was lined with beautiful palm trees and had a fantastic view of the harbour.Walking along the quay was great as i had a delighful view of the hills of Super-Cannes and the 1.5 mile long boulavard de la Croisette.Pretty little buildings line the front painted a mixture of bright colours.When i went here at night to have a drink in one of the many bars and restuarants i found it most romantic as the lights from them reflected in the water of the harbour and it looked very pretty indeed.
I enjoyed just walking along looking at the luxury yachts and dreaming about being rich ;-)

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Fabulous yachts bobbing in the water surrounded by colorful shuttered buildings housing lively cafes and restaurants in the shadow of the ancient suquet. A great place to stroll and people watch.