Rumours were already circulating over the last few days, but it is now official: the Cannes Yachting Festival 2020, scheduled for 8 to 13 September, has been cancelled.

Due to the worsening of the health crisis and to help prevent another wave of Covid-19, the French government has decided to suspend any event of over 5,000 people in France until 30 October 2020. This decision was made official through the decree published on 13 August and the organisers of the Cannes Yacht Festival had to adapt.

“It is with great sadness and a certain level of disbelief, that we have been forced to announce that the Yachting Festival 2020 has been cancelled,” says the press release. The event in Cannes therefore slides over to next year from 7 to 12 September 2021.

This is a big blow to the boating industry: the Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the most important and anticipated events in Europe, opening the boating season for years, giving shipyards, and many more, the chance to showcase their products and launch new ones.

CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL CANCELLED NOW WE LOOK TO THE GENOA BOAT SHOW

Now Attention has been focused on Liguria for the Genoa Boat Show, which traditionally follows on the heels of Cannes in the calendar of boating events. The 60th edition of the event, planned from 1 to 6 October, at the moment remains confirmed. On 6 August early ticket sales were opened and, in the first week of September, a presentation and press conference has been organised.

As stated a few weeks ago by Saverio Cecchi, president of I Saloni Nautici, the aim is to create an event that unites efficiency and safety, making it the most representative event for the Italian industry. But, naturally, it will all depend on how the health crisis evolves and the decision made by government authorities.