Recently unveiling the CYF not to be missed global premieres for 2020, the Cote D'Azur event is now questioning the willingness of clients to attend to the event in light of coronavirus restriction changes.
Currently still scheduled to take place from 8-13 September 2020, the largest in-water boat show in Europe now has to take in to account an extension on the ban of mass gatherings of over 5,000 people.
Coming straight from the French government, the ban extension is also accompanied by the end of the quarantine-free relationship between France and the UK. Meaning many intending visitors may suddenly find travel much more difficult.
In order to assess the new obstacles, the organizing body of CYF, Reed, has presented exhibitors with a letter asking for feedback and an indication as to whether they are in favor of the show going ahead.
With over 60 products including superyachts scheduled to make their global debuts at the 2020 event, the private letter sent out on 17 August could potentially alter the status of the impending show.
Even though discussions have been made with local authorities on the subject of excluding CYF from the mass gathering ban, the feasibility of 'actual participation of visitors' is being considered the most important factor in the final decision.
The full letter sent to exhibitors;
"Dear Exhibitor,
The latest announcements by the French government regarding the ban on organizing events targeting more than 5,000 people, and the quarantine measures decided by the UK, have raised many questions about the actual opening of the Cannes Yachting Festival.
As allowed by the new French law, as organizers of the show, we asked the prefect in charge of the Cannes region for an exemption. Regardless of this administrative decision, however, the most important thing to understand is the actual participation of visitors in the exhibition.
You and your organizations have direct and exclusive relationships with your customers and potential customers, which allow you to have a clear vision of their intention to come to Cannes. We would therefore like to ask, once again, your opinion, to find out if, in the current context, you are in favor or unfavorable to the conduct of the boat show.
Important detail: a negative opinion will not be considered as a request to renounce participation on your part and, in the event of cancellation of the show, all the provisions set out in our letters of 1 and 30 June 2020 will apply.
We will try to contact you by phone during the day, but you can also reply directly by email.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation."
If you are planning to buy a yacht during the Cannes Yachting Festival, take a look at all the available new and used yachts for sale to get a better scope of the models which may be on display during the show.
