After a highly successful first edition that raised nearly $600,000, the Mercy Ships Yachting Day Gala will return to Cannes for a second year, further strengthening its position as one of the most meaningful charity events in the global yachting calendar.
The 2026 edition will take place on September 9, 2026, in the prestigious Grand Ballroom of the Carlton Cannes Hotel, during the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 8–13).
A landmark philanthropic evening during the Cannes Yachting Festival
The inaugural 2025 gala brought together key players from across the international yachting industry, uniting manufacturers, brokerage firms, service providers, and industry leaders around a shared humanitarian mission.
The event successfully raised nearly $600,000, directly funding life-changing surgical operations aboard Mercy Ships’ hospital vessels, the M/V Africa Mercy® and M/V Global Mercy™.
These procedures include complex surgeries such as tumor removals, cleft lip and palate repairs, and orthopedic corrections, offering patients in sub-Saharan Africa access to safe, free surgical care that would otherwise be unavailable.
Mercy Ships: delivering medical care and long-term impact
Mercy Ships is an international faith-based humanitarian organization that has worked alongside African nations for more than 30 years.
Beyond surgical missions, the organization focuses on long-term impact by:
- Training local healthcare professionals
- Supporting medical infrastructure development
- Strengthening national healthcare systems for sustainable care delivery
Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers from over 60 countries serve aboard Mercy Ships vessels, contributing expertise in surgery, nursing, engineering, and maritime operations.
A concept inspired by the power of industry collaboration
The Yachting Day Gala was inspired by Mercy Ships’ established “Cargo Day” initiative and conceived by yachting lawyer Robert Allen, with the goal of mobilizing the global yachting industry’s network to generate fast, tangible humanitarian impact.
“Yachting is a relationship-driven industry,” said Allen. “When this network comes together behind a mission of hope and healing, the impact is immediate and measurable.”
The concept has quickly gained traction within the sector, positioning the gala as a unique bridge between luxury yachting and global humanitarian action.
Strong industry engagement and competitive spirit
The 2025 edition also introduced a friendly industry challenge, encouraging participation across three sectors: Manufacturers, Brokerage, and Services.
The Services category ultimately won the Industry Challenge Trophy, while MarineMax was recognized as the top corporate contributor, highlighting the strong engagement and competitive spirit that drove fundraising success.
A flagship charity event in the global yachting calendar
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, the Mercy Ships Yachting Day Gala continues to establish itself as a key philanthropic highlight during the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Bringing together industry leaders, yacht owners, and global stakeholders, the event demonstrates how the yachting community can leverage its international reach to create meaningful social impact.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities now open
Tickets for the September 9, 2026 gala are now available, with early preferred rates offered until June 1, 2026.
Sponsorship packages, table reservations, and individual tickets are also available for companies and guests wishing to support the initiative.
For enquiries, please contact: csena@robertallenlaw.com
