From September 11 to 16, the 35th edition of the Cannes International Yacht Festival takes place. A meeting that brings together boating professionals, potential clients, and curious onlookers. The Cannes coastline has adorned itself with its most beautiful jewels and promises to continuously push the boundaries of luxury and elegance.
From the old port to the Pierre Canto port, Cannes hosts the cream of the crop: 500 boats afloat, 580 boats total, including 55 second-hand and 445 new, 425 exhibitors, 80,000 square meters of exhibition space, 33 kilometers of docks, 6 restaurants, a direct helicopter connection, two maritime crossings… And all under the watchful eye of the red carpet that the expected 50,000 visitors are ready to tread upon.
The French savoir-faire is well represented at the show, but be aware that the Festival is described as international, and it lives up to its word since it has become an unmissable event in yachting; no less than one out of every two exhibitors is foreign, with 34 nationalities being honored. An increasingly international reach with the emergence of new countries such as Russia or the United States. Large and small boats, sailboats as well as motorboats, take over some of the world’s most prestigious quays. But not only that, all sectors of the nautical industry are on display, including fittings, interior design and decoration, electronic equipment for boats, services like insurance, engine manufacturers, and even clothing, essentially all needs and desires can be dressed.
For this 35th edition, the city of Cannes is celebrating an anniversary of luxurious madness. And, as with any anniversary, there will be gifts: 150 premieres available to the public, and above all, the largest boat ever showcased, as for the first time, the festival hosts an invaluable gem of over 60 meters aptly named “Diamonds Are Forever”. It belongs to a known and recognized James Bond fan, John Staluppi. Indeed, the mission impossible has been successfully accomplished! From the Albert Edouard jetties to the Pantiero, passing by Quai Max Laubeuf and not forgetting Quai Saint Pierre, the show is expanding to better turn heads.
Finally, a hall of 5000 square meters has been set up in the middle of the festival; this “Riviera Space” allows for meetings between exacting clients and exhibitors, as well as among industry professionals. A sector that seems to need reflection to better apprehend the future. Wednesday evening, a debate was organized with the presence of the CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Nice Côte d’Azur, the FIN (Nautical Industries Federation), and professionals in search of ideas or even concrete answers.
For Gérard Lachkar, administrator of the FIN, the partnership with the CCI is “essential” and helps “meet the expectations of the industry’s professions.” Bernard Kleynhoff, president of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, emphasizes the need for support and accompaniment of the nautical industry. He reminds us that the sector in the region represents 5000 jobs and two million in direct revenue, nearly a quarter of the industry’s total revenue. Therefore, the two organizations are more than ever ready to continue their collaboration and serve the nautical businesses to better inform them in the context of a “close relationship.”
The debate takes form and is centered around a very broad question: “How is business?” And to this question, the professionals seem to have the same answer: “the waiting attitude” of customers. Buyers have become cautious when it comes to the unknown in terms of finance (taxes); “all these pending files are becoming bothersome” confides a catamaran seller from Nautitech. Potential clients do not know what they’re getting into, but what is for sure is that this “desire to sail” is making a strong comeback for this employee from Shipchandler who is waiting for the fall shows and the Nautic Paris to “position himself”.
Revenue is often negatively impacted in the sector: -10%. And then it’s not all, yachting is experiencing other issues like deconstruction or, even worse, the cruel problem of port berths. Thus, French ports no longer have any hosting capacity, and ship owners are turning to Italy, Spain, or even Malta. Denis, in the boat trading business, warns and assures that they are “getting ahead of France” with efficient hosting strategies.
On the side of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, actions are being taken in favor of the sector’s professionals: networking of companies (e-community), information regarding fiscal and customs measures (a dedicated guide), support with the creation of a professional undergraduate degree in Cannes, for example.
Although yachting continues to make the biggest dream, it remains a sector affected by the internal crisis, but all these passionate professionals assure that they will react so that the splendid flame of Made in France yachting never dies out.
