Cannes Yachting Festival: Verdict on April 15, 2021
The dispute between the Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN) and Reed Expositions over the organisation of the Cannes Yachting Festival has been going on since October 2016. Following the breach of the contract between them for the organisation of the Paris Nautic and the Cannes Boat Show, the two parties took the case to court over a clause attributing the running of the Cannes Yachting Festival to Reed Expo until 2041. After several summary proceedings, then at first instance, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal. At its hearing on 21 January 2021, the judges set the timetable for their deliberations. The decision is set for 15 April 2021.
A welcome visibility for the nautical sector
The importance of the Cannes Yachting Festival for the annual re-entry of the world yachting industry is recognized by all. It was again highlighted after its last minute cancellation in 2020, following the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when the situation of boat shows is weakened by repeated cancellations for health reasons, the judicial clarification around the Cannes event could bring some visibility. As the marketing of a show planned for September is taking place well in advance, the April ruling will nevertheless be late for the 2021 edition. It is to be hoped for the industry that the parties will accept the decision and work together whatever the outcome of the procedure, giving a better image to the yachting professionals than the media exchanges we have been used to since 2016.
