In 2017, the Cannes Yachting Festival celebrated its 40th anniversary. While a legal proceedings are underway between Reed Exposition and the Fédération des Industries Nautiques who are fighting over the ownership of the Cannes boat show, each party presented its version of the show's history to the media. Jacqueline Bourey, who directed the show from its creation in 1981 until 2001, had not yet spoken publicly. She chose BoatIndustry to come out of her silence.
Why did you choose to come out of the silence that you had kept since the beginning of the controversy about the organization of the Cannes Yachting Festival?
Jacqueline Bourey: I wanted to restore the truth about the history of the Cannes exhibition. I was very surprised by the open letter of Annette Roux which distorts the truth. So I wanted to react. I could not do it earlier because of health reasons and I do it now.
What is the history of the Cannes Salon, according to you?
Jacqueline Bourey: I have never been only the technical organizer of the show. I created the Cannes boat show in 1981 with my personal funds. We knew that the city hall of Cannes was thinking about a boat show. We went to see the deputy of Mr Cornut-Gentille, the mayor of Cannes. We agreed and were able to start the show. The fact of being known by the Paris boat show made things easier. After some time, we asked for the patronage of the Federation of Nautical Industries, which is normal, but we cannot say that it is the FIN which asked for the creation of the Cannes show. Moreover, it has never paid a cent for the organization and we have never paid anything to it. We can even say that at the time, the FIN was not very enthusiastic because it was more a show for importers than for manufacturers, with many Italians. They were afraid that it would harm the La Rochelle show, but in the end it was more to Genoa that it hurt.
In 1998, I sold the show to Reed Exposition because I could no longer invest to continue developing the show. I stayed 3 years as president, then I asked Annette Roux to succeed me.
What is your relationship with the various parties today?
Jacqueline Bourey: I had always had an excellent friendship with Annette Roux. I haven't seen her in a long time, having left boating altogether. Likewise, I have not had any contact with the FIN since I left the show. As for Reed, Mr. Algoud, the former president, contacted me a few months ago, explaining his difficulties with FIN. I told him exactly the same thing I am telling him today about the history of the show. The discussion between Reed and FIN is their problem! I just don't want the truth to be distorted.
