For as long as anyone can remember the event that created the biggest sensation was without doubt Paris Hilton’s visit to the Cannes Croisette last year accompanied by her bodyguards! “A naturally charming and well-brought-up young woman when she is not playing to the gallery,” commented Philippe Trombetta, Cannes Yachting Agency’s Charter Division Director. During last year’s Festival, he piloted a magnificent 15.5m yacht for this very popular young actress-heiress for four days, taking her from Eden Roc at Cap d’Antibes to the landing stage at the Palace. With his colourful language, the hoarse voice of a Craven A smoker, the look of a veteran sea-wolf who has weathered many a storm, Philippe Trombetta is proud of having captained some of the most beautiful motor yachts on the Mediterranean. From 15m boats hired by stars as water-born taxis for the Festival (at €1,500 per day), to the fabulous Alexander (100m long, 36 cabins, cinema, Turkish baths, sauna, helipad, its own “motorboat”, not to mention the swimming-pool…, at €90,000 per day not including supplementary catering, champagne, harbour dues and diesel). The fleet includes such fabulous boats as Le Christina O, Le Phocéa, Le Sense’s… which can be hired for a party or for a longer cruise. “This is a fast-growing market,” remarked Philippe, “which at the moment is attracting more and more Chinese. They are our best customers together with the Russians. Our most difficult problem? Getting the best berth on the Albert-Edouard Jetty alongside the Festival Palace to ensure the star makes the most remarked entry as she (or he) walks up the steps… and finding enough foie gras, caviar and lobsters for the sumptuous dinners on board. During the Festival it’s not as easy as it sounds!”
