The Cannes Yachting Festival under reduced canopy
The Cannes Yachting Festival, the first event of the new nautical season in Europe, is closely watched to anticipate the recovery of the yachting market. Reed Expo, the organiser of the 2020 show, confirmed on July 2, 2020 that the show will be held between September 8 and 13. However, the crisis has not been without impact on the scale of the event, which is expecting more than 340 motor boats and 80 sailing boats. "We're taking a 30% reef in the mainsail" sums up Sylvie Ernoult, general commissioner of the Cannes Yachting Festival. "The vast majority of exhibitors are coming back, even if some have unfortunately not been able to resist the crisis. We're more likely to see a reduction in the volume of exhibitions. We have worked with each exhibitor to adapt to their production needs, the delay of new products... 95% of the major brands are present and we are keeping the Cannes Yachting Festival's DNA which is the variety of products. Only a few sectors are absent such as the high-powered engine manufacturers. We kept the Old Port and Port Canto, without trying to reduce the costs of the show."
A protocol for adapting to strict health measures
From a logistical point of view, the Cannes Yachting Festival has validated with the Prefecture, the City of Cannes and its suppliers a General Health Security Plan (PGSS). "Today, who can do more, can do less. We are ready, if the regulations require it in September, to set up two-way aisles in all of the show, to set up a count at the exit to know in real time the number of people at each moment in the different spaces. The city of Cannes is waiting for us and is helping us, particularly in terms of thinking about how to manage the flows and waiting areas without taking over the exhibition spaces," says the general curator. She remains discreet about the evaluation of the cost of these measures. "It is a real investment"
Boaters are expected
A trade fair also relies on its visitors. Like many events, the Cannes Yachting Festival surveyed yachtsmen through questionnaires sent by exhibitors. "The trend is good. The survey, launched between June 1 and 15, shows that 60% of the yachtsmen questioned intend to come to the show. In view of the way things are developing, probably more so today," rejoices Sylvie Ernoult. The trend, if it continues, will give the nautical industry a new lease of life.
