The Cannes Yachting Festival is considered one of the most prestigious boat shows in the world. Every year, over 80 brand new boats make their world debuts at the show, making it one of the most exciting days for millionaires who have nothing better to do but buy boats in their spare time. This year, the Cannes Yachting Festival will also be the site of a history-making event as it hosts the first-ever night-time long-distance stand-up paddle boat race.

If you’re wondering why an event normally associated with super yachts and super models will have a paddleboat race, well, get in line because I’ve asked myself the same question.

As out of place as a paddleboat race is at a show like the Cannes Yachting Festival, the sport has actually become a very popular competition all over the world. The event’s organizers apparently wanted a piece of the action, and to their credit, this isn’t just going to be a leisurely race around the bay. It’s going to be an all-out competition, covering a total distance of 62 miles (100 kilometers). Solo competitors and relay teams - oh yes, there’s a distinction! - will set off at 7pm on Friday, September 11, 2015 all the way until about 10am the following morning.

An awards ceremony has been scheduled at 1130 for those who are still presumably healthy enough to walk to the awards podium.

In case you somehow find yourselves interested in joining the competition, there’s a registration fee of €75 for individual competitors, or about $85 based on current exchange rates. If you’re entering with a team, the fee doubles to €150, or about $170.

Continue reading to read more about the Cannes Yachting Festival's first-ever all-night-standing paddleboat race.

Why it matters

For a show that’s highly regarded for its luxury and elegance, it is a little surprising to see it host a sporting event that you normally would associate with the X Games or even the Olympics. But hey, what do I know, right?

What’s important is that the Cannes Yachting Festival is doing it and making history in the process. That’s another feather in the cap of the show and it’s actually pretty cool to see it have a little extreme sports fun.

I know that paddle boarding has become a very popular beach activity all over the world. I’ve done it multiple times and unless you don’t find yourselves paddling to God-knows-where, it’s actually pretty fun. But to do it at night?

That’s pretty crazy to me unless the route is littered with lights to at least point you in the direction of where you need to go. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to see how the race turns out for the competitors. I just can’t imagine doing it with a team, more so by myself.

So good luck to those who will join the race. I hope you all stay safe and well, you know, don’t get lost.