on 22 May 2021
Almost 600 boats and 430 exhibitors are already registered, as event organisers confirm all visitors will require a 'health pass'. Meanwhile, a court decision over who has the right to own and manage the event has been delayed to July 1
The organisers of the biggest in-water boat show in Europe, Cannes Yachting Festival, have confirmed the event will go ahead from September 7-12, 2021 in the Vieux Port and Port Canto, Cannes.
With the vaccination programme continuing to roll out at pace across much of Europe, and the next phase of relaxation of health measures confirmed by local authorities, there is hope the event will be among the first of several major events of the season to open its doors.
Monaco Yacht Show has already confirmed it will take place from September 22-25, albeit with a focus more on superyacht clients this year.
The Cannes Yachting Festival is being designed in compliance with the health standards currently in place in France and has already seen great interest, with almost 600 boats and 430 exhibitors already registered, and over 140 previews – a 10% increase over 2019.
In a media statement, organisers confirm that “work is in progress on health procedures and monitoring and counting tools, which will allow us to adapt access to the show depending on the regulatory framework set by the government.” Visitors will be required to present a “health pass” to take part in the event.
Sylvie Ernoult, festival director, adds: “We are working in close collaboration with the City of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals to welcome our exhibitors and our visitors in the best possible conditions. We are delighted to welcome you back to Cannes after this long absence and we know that our exhibitors will have some wonderful surprises for our visitors. A real dream come true!”
The 2020 edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival was cancelled in August, just two weeks before it was set to take place, following an outbreak of Covid in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Meanwhile, a four-year dispute over who has the right to own and manage the Festival is currently being heard by the Paris Court of Appeal, France’s highest appeal authority, after a series of delays.
Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN) – France’s main marine industry association – is in an ongoing legal dispute with Reed Expositions France, which has been managing the Cannes show to date. The delayed verdict was originally due to be given on May 27. The verdict has again been delayed and is now due on July 1. The court has offered no reason for the latest delay.
Location: Vieux Port and Port Canto, Cannes
Date: From Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 September 2021
Opening hours: Open every day from 10am to 7pm. Late night opening on Friday 10 September until 10pm. Closing at 6pm on Sunday