A smooth experience, but complicated access to the lounge
The images of the Virtual Nautic world flooded the social networks of yachting professionals at the beginning of March 2021, while everyone was preparing their stand. But beyond the aesthetics, which reminded some people of video games from the 2000s, the real question that everyone was asking before the opening of the virtual boat show on March 12 and 13, 2021, remained that of the fluidity and simplicity of contacts between exhibitors and boaters. I myself am not very fond of video games, but I was able to easily create my avatar, visit the aisles, move around and talk to the various people present. The confidentiality of the exchanges will need to be learned in the future. Some people who didn't understand the public nature of their discussions in the aisles were able to share information that they would probably have preferred to keep to themselves.
Unfortunately, the quality of the visit was severely limited by the difficulties in accessing the Virtual Nautic. The time it took to download the platform and the long delay between the online registration and the link to download the app, could discourage boaters with a busy weekend. If any computer system can suffer from bugs, the lack of a hotline and support service is a major black mark. Beyond my experience, I was able to gather testimonies from other visitors who were unable to reconnect to their computer following a crash of the application.
A BtoB event for the boating industry, more than just for boaters
Announced as a BtoC event for boaters, the Virtual Nautic turned out to be successful on a more BtoB level. The counter of avatars at the top of the screen has mainly oscillated between 400 and 700, of which we can estimate that at least 300 to 400 were professionals, exhibitors, journalists and organizers. The testimonies collected from shipyards and equipment manufacturers corroborate this analysis. If they regretted the absence of boaters, they underlined the interest to strengthen the links of the industry, suggesting for example to use the tool as a prelude reserved for professionals, before the Nautic in Paris, to avoid some of them to travel.
An issue of timing and communication
The Federation of Nautical Industries had chosen the month of March to prepare the summer season, especially for nautical tourism. For the BtoB and dealer targets, the period does not allow them to go to the show, as the preparation of the boats takes up their time. The choice of dates will therefore have to be adapted to the target group, explain some exhibitors, who also point out that communication is probably too late on their part, in view of the registration difficulties.
Important communication operation in a period of pandemic and confinement, the next years will show, if the Nautical Industries Federation maintains the event, if Virtual Nautic can solve its youth problems and find its place and its economic role for the yachting industry.
