We can say we’re not the jealous type but I dare you to read about these superyachts and not dream of winning a monster lotto and living the life of luxury.

Cannes has long been known as the playground of the world’s richest and most beautiful people, but I guess one has to step aboard and live the life of a high-roller to really know what goes on once the cameras are turned off and everyone lets their guard down.

One particularly lucky Telegraph journalist had the pleasure of spending some time in illustrious company, floating around the picturesque French coastline and getting a glimpse at how that one percent lives. Here’s some excerpts from what she had to say:

Although David Geffen’s 452ft yacht, the Rising Sun, is always the focal point of the festival, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen [his boat below] and socialite Denise Rich have reprised their positions as the monster-yacht party hosts of the year.

Occasionally, tales involving Russian minigarchs, hookers and celebrity debauchery will float back to the have-nots on dry land, but mostly – unless infiltrated by some undesirable like me – on-board indiscretions are protected by iron-clad exclusivity… and anti-paparazzi shields…

If semi-naked models don’t do it for you, the state-of-the-art spa-decks these yachts come equipped with probably will. “With the volume of these super-yachts continuing to increase each year,” says Summer Osterman, a broker with Burgess Yachts, “a lot of people hoping to do business at the festival will have dedicated spa attendants on call to provide treatments to prospective clients and encourage them to make the most of their Jacuzzis, hydrotherapy baths and serenity rooms.”

Trained not just to provide “a level of service you would never come close to on dry land”, says Alekhina [a broker with the super-yacht charter company Fraser Yachts], “the crews on these yachts always have security foremost in their minds. Don’t forget that there have been multi-million-euro jewellery thefts at the festival in the past, and these people can thwart even James Bond-style safety threats…

For all the magical allure of Cannes’ floating fetes, terra firma comes as a blessed relief to many. “Here’s the dirty little secret about the parties on the yachts,” [said] Peggy Siegal, Hollywood power publicist. “People don’t want to get stuck on them. Then there’s the shoe problem. They make you take your shoes off. And nobody looks good without their shoes.”

I think that is a clear case of ‘first world problems’ right there.

That’s not to say I would turn down those untold riches, of course, which is why I am dabbling in the Friday Mega Millions Lottery draw. The jackpot has rolled over and now stands at a rather ridiculous $194 million (R2,3 billion). I think we can all agree that would make for a pleasant weekend treat. Get your tickets HERE.

[source:telegraph]