Cannes begins provisional preparations for 43rd edition

A yachting event known around the globe, the Cannes Yachting Festival has officially begun preparing to provisionally open its doors for the 2020 edition.

Making it's landmark as potentially the first international event to open its doors since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Cannes Yachting Festival (CYF) still expects an admirable attendance of nearly 400 boats if the event goes ahead.

With the widespread concerns of coronavirus leading to the cancellation of multiple yachting events throughout 2020, the just in case preparations for Cannes comes as a surprise to many. 

However, following the announcement on 27 July 2020 from Franck Riester, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, professional events, exhibitions and trade fairs were given permission to resume from 1 September providing strict guidelines were adhered to.

Safe & Clean

Evening panoramic view of the Vieux Port in Cannes, surrounded by sea

In addition to the altered permissions from the French government, CYF has also become the first event to have obtained the official 'Safe & Clean' label.

Granted by the General Health and Safety Plan (PGSS), the Safe & Clean badge by APAVE is presented as confirmation that all of the necessary implementations have been made and are in compliance with the updated standards in place.

A thorough audit was conducted prior to presentation of the badge and further monitoring is expected before the 43rd edition opens its doors, as well as during the main event.

The health security of our exhibitors, visitors and members of staff is at the heart of our concerns more than ever this year. We wish to welcome them and allow them to enjoy peace of mind while attending the trade show. It was important for us that the health protocol that we have been working on for several months was certified “Safe & Clean” by APAVE to give a strong signal and reassure our customers. Visitors and exhibitors will therefore be able to make the most of the Yachting Festival with peace of mind. It looks very promising once again this year with lots of previews to discover.

Sylvie Ernoult

Director

Cannes Yachting Festival

COVID Implementations

Overview of motor boats entering marina for CYF, surrounded by sea with Cannes in background

Adhering to the recommended measures from the French government, and those from WHO (World Health Organization), the return of the Cannes Yachting Festival will look a little different for 2020.

Visitors to the six day event will expect a range of extra guidelines and measures including;

  • Compulsory use of face masks
  • Medical antanna around event with isolation areas for suspected COVID cases
  • Strict catering arrangements with tables one metre apart and no more than 10 visitors to a table
  • Social distancing compliant meeting rooms
  • Capacity monitoring
  • Favourable contactless payments
  • Contactless hand disinfection stations

What to expect from Cannes 2020

Line up display of Williams tenders at CYF

Even with the 'new normal' taking over, organisers of the 2020 Cannes Yachting Festival are still preparing for an exciting show with multiple big names from the yachting industry.

Bringing back the return of the new layout from 2019, motor boats will return to the Vieux Port, in addition to the popular Luxury Gallery and numerous previews of superyachts for sale

Over at Port Canto, the waters will once again be dominated by the extended display of sailing boats, along with some of the latest toys and tenders currently on the market.

Still dubbed as Europe's leading in-water boat show, the Cannes Yachting Festival is scheduled to run between 8 -13 September 2020.

Before attending the 2020 Cannes Yachting Festival, take a look at the full list of available yachts for sale to preview some of the models attending the prestigious event.