The 2023 PYA Christmas Ball is returning to the Martinez in Cannes on December 8th to celebrate industry-wide achievements over the last 12 months, attended by delegates from across the yachting world.

This year, we are recognising the significant progress made by the industry to address crew and wellbeing issues, technological innovations and wider initiatives that are shaping the future of yachting. More than 200 representatives from around the world including no fewer than 60 yacht captains will attend.

The PYA is also welcoming for the first time the participation of the Italian Yacht Masters, an association which aims to promote and develop activities related to seafaring and boating. This includes the professional tradition of the Italian Mega Yachts Captains and educating new generations to a high standard of professionalism and an impeccable code of honour.

Some of our special guests from IYM include Captains Luca Triggiani, Pietro Giordano, Paolo Bozzo Costa, Roberto Sanna, Marco Nocenti, Alessandro Flora, Manuel Mariotti and Pierluigi Ippoliti. Additionally, Captain Matthaios Gaitis from the Hellenic Yacht Masters’ Club (HYM) will join us for this year’s celebration.

Crew members, business leaders, pioneers of maritime exploration and engineering will also gather at our event in Cannes for this year’s special masquerade-themed evening and black-tie dinner.

“We are grateful for all the support we have received throughout the year as the PYA prepares its annual gala event - the Christmas Ball. Following the success of our recent Sea Changes Forum and industry networking events, we’re especially excited to be welcoming guests who are representing the yachting industry from all corners of the world. This year we have made tremendous progress as an industry, and we will be commemorating those achievements as we prepare for bigger and more ambitious initiatives to come in the New Year,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA.

Set in the prestigious ballroom of the Hotel Martinez on the Croisette, our esteemed guests and partners will enjoy a night of entertainment including our opening cocktail reception with a photocall and networking followed by a dinner with gourmet food, live music, a dancing party and our annual raffle competition - offering unique prizes from our partners to lucky guests.

Christmas Ball Sponsors

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors this year for their continued support - enabling PYA to put together this unique event and making it a truly memorable occasion.

Premium Yacht Sponsor : Fort Insurance

Fort Insurance is an Independent Superyacht Insurance Broker. They are committed to finding their clients the best possible cover at the most competitive prices. Their team of industry-leading experts combines decades of experience allowing them to help you choose the insurance policies suited for you by doing a thorough assessment of your specific needs.

Their global panel of insurers allows them to find the best solutions available in the insurance market, whether it’s in continental Europe, Lloyd’s of London, the Americas, the Middle East or Asia.

Burgess

Founded in 1975 and now with 14 offices worldwide, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specialising in yachts of over 30m (100ft). Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational yacht management.

Nautech Group Shipyard

Founded in 1998 in Marseille, Nautech is one of the oldest shipyards in France, dedicated to the refit and repair of luxury yachts and superyachts.

The foundations of Nautech in Marseille were laid in 1998 when the opportunity was taken to create a refit and repair Shipyard at a location of strategic and commercial importance. Marseille has the most westerly drydocks in the South of France and is a genuine centre of maritime maintenance operations. Over the years, Nautech has continued to expand.

Nautech has developed a loyal superyacht clientele who are looking for convenient and flexible shipyard services in the South of France and the Caribbean.

MYBA

MYBA, The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts.

GWS

Global Wine Solutions are the leading supplier of fine wines and spirits to the yachting industry, with offices in all the major yachting hubs worldwide. They understand the unique requirements of the superyacht community and have an unwavering commitment to excellence, an extensive global network of suppliers and producers, and a passionate team of experts who can curate a portfolio of wines that rival the most exclusive cellars in the world.

How you can participate

A limited number of tickets are being made available through the PYA for guests to book their seats at one of our dinner tables. To register your interest, please contact office@pya.org with the subject ‘PYA Christmas Ball’. Tickets are extremely limited therefore we recommend you contact us early to book your place. Sponsors can also get in touch if interested in having a presence at our event this year.