On the international nautical calendar the Yachting Festival, the first show in the autumn and the leading in-water event in Europe, confirms that it will be held from 8 to 13 September 2020, in Cannes.

Although the offices have been closed since the confinement period, thanks to the new tools deployed internationally by the Reed Exhibitions Group, the team has taken care to adapt its organisation to ensure that the preparation of this 43rd edition can continue smoothly. All staff, based in France and abroad, remain mobilised and are working remotely with commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the success of the next yachting festival.

The close relationships forged with exhibitors over the years have enabled us to maintain regular exchanges with the shipyards and equipment manufacturers since the beginning of this crisis and these difficult times. It is in response to the expectations expressed during these discussions and aware of the difficulties in the sector that we have adapted our conditions of participation, allowing exhibitors more time and flexibility to confirm their participation intentions more precisely.

At the moment, all the in-water and on land projects launched are continuing to evolve in close collaboration with our exhibitors, the port authorities and the partners in Cannes. The installation of the boats and stands in the Vieux Port and Port Canto is well under way. As is the case each year, this has been established based on the wishes expressed by our customers and taking into consideration the technical constraints of the port and the available exhibition space. By definition the installation of the Yachting Festival is complex and the current situation represents a real challenge for the organisation of the site. Our teams are rising to this new challenge with determination and adaptability. We remain very attentive to the global situation of our industry which has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 health crisis.

New features for this 2020 edition include, in the Vieux Port, the Quai Saint Pierre which will group together the fast day boats. The Quai Max Laubeuf, both in-water and on land, has been redesigned with the creation of a marina dedicated to motorised multihulls. On land, the area dedicated to outboard and inboard engines (without hulls) launched last year has been reorganised to offer greater visibility and exhibition comfort for engine manufacturers of small and medium size units.

Even though the context today means we do not know precisely the full content and final configuration of the Luxury Gallery, it will host brands in luxury, craftsmanship and lifestyle in a new presentation.

At Port Canto, the Sailing Area was been designed with, to date, some 110 units registered, of which sixty exceed 15m, the sea accesses between the two ports have been increased and will benefit from enhanced signage. In addition, a new catering area is planned.

Henceforth anchored in the very spirit of the festival, the 6th Concours d’Elégance parade, reserved for festival exhibitors and owners and collectors of vintage and modern day boats and motor boats of up to 12 metres, will be held on Saturday 12 September.

Last but not least, our action is also guided by full compliance with the health measures recommended to restrict the spread of the corona virus. Reed Expositions France is also participating actively in the work carried out by UNIMEV, the professional federation of the events industry, to draw up protective measures for trade fairs that will be submitted to the French government.

To this end we are currently reviewing a specific organisation of trade fair queues, the installation of markings on the ground, a counting and/or flow regulation system (in the aisles, quays, stands and on board the boats), the wearing of masks, the provision of hydro-alcoholic gel and increased daily disinfection of the areas through which visitors pass. The aim is to open the Yachting Festival 2020 in such a way as to allow the event to be held in the best possible conditions and in full compliance with the protection of exhibitors and visitors.

“Many customers with whom I have spoken are hoping that the Yachting Festival can be the light at the end of the tunnel. And even if there are still many steps to take before opening the next session of the Yachting Festival, this hope is a goal for us. The Festival’s teams are doing everything possible to accompany customers and provide them with the necessary flexibility while ensuring that work schedules are respected, thereby enabling everything to be operational in due course.

We have set up a team responsible for adapting the new health standards to the festival and will deploy all necessary means for their implementation.

We wish courage and energy to all our exhibitors, partners and service providers in this extraordinarily difficult period!

The team and I are looking forward to meeting them again and welcoming them in September on the pontoons of Cannes.” – Sylvie Ernoult, Show Manager – Yachting Festival

For further information about the Yachting Festival, visit www.cannesyachtingfestival.com.