International yachting will not return to Cannes

Cancellation of the Cannes Yachting Festival 2020

Until recently, the organizers were confident that Cannes Yachting Festival 2020 will take place. At the end of July 2020, a press release was issued which was entitled “Yacht Festival Confirms Its Holding”. The end appears to have come to an end with the renewal of decrees banning events with more than 5,000 participants.

At the moment, many trusted sources state that the decision to cancel the boat show was made on the evening of August 21. Official confirmation is expected in the near future.

The problem of health and economics

The festival usually takes place in September, and if the announcement of the cancellation was delayed for so long, perhaps this is due to administrative decisions. After the authorities extended the limit on holding exhibitions and fairs to 5,000 people until the end of October, the controversy over the concession provided by the prefect of Vendei for Puy du Fou prompted the administration to be more cautious. This was confirmed by the recent cancellation of the Chalon-en-Champagne fair.

Now the organizers and participants of the exhibition face a new economic challenge. The festival was canceled at a stage when the main financial investments have already been made - both by the organizer of Reed Expo and by invited professionals. As you can see from the photographs of many brands, the yacht ferry has already begun.

In addition to losing investment, yacht builders, distributors and dealers will have to find new ways to connect with yachtsmen. While private boat shows are being developed for large shipyards, smaller companies are targeting owner yachts or yachts provided by the manufacturer at the time of the event.

Festival Grande Pavois in La Rochelle

How will the rest of the yachting season go in France?

After the Cannes Film Festival, the Grand Pavois usually takes place in La Rochelle, between September 29th and October 4th. On the morning of August 21, the organizers announced their request for permission to the Charente Primorskaya prefecture. They did not hide the issues that will affect the timing of the decision: the differences between open and closed events, the limitation of up to 5,000 people per day or in time, the exact rules for granting exceptions.

The last surviving boat show in France in 2020 may be the Nautic de Paris, which is expected in December.

22.08.2020