Cannes Boat Show refocuses on innovation and excellence

by Cannes Boat Show on 27 May 2009 The 2009 Cannes Boat Show, 9-14 September, is positioning its event as 'the exceptional showcase for yachting', emphasizing that in restrictive financial conditions, boat builders strive harder to create innovation and advances to meet new challenges and changing times.

It’s Europe’s largest in-water show, and since 1977, the Show has succeed in winning acclaim among the world’s major events, thanks to the value of the goods and services it exhibits, the quality of its visitors, and 'its resolutely international character in terms of visitors as well as exhibitors', according to show manager, Eric de Saintdo.

'Always and above all, a milieu for ardent boat lovers, the world of yachting has been developing within the sector for more than 10 years,' he says.

'The major boatbuilders strive to imagine innovative solutions to meet the demands of a changing market: new hulls, new engine types, new types of hybrid engines that respond to increased environmental awareness, greater focus on design and quality of service. Today’s new economic order is pushing everyone to go one better, in the pursuit of excellence and performance. The entire sector knows that at a time when the cards are being dealt again, it is important to be even more demanding to strive towards more economic performance.'

France is the world’s no.1 builder of sailing boats and the no. 4 builder of motorboats; pleasure boat sales amounted to 1.29 billion euros in 2007 (+10.4%), two-thirds of which were for export.

The French pleasure boat industry numbers 5,000 companies, which generate 45,000 jobs and an annual turnover of 5 billion euros, and serves 4 million yachtsmen.

A few key figures from 2008:
• Close to 65 000 visitors, 50% of whom came from abroad to attend
• 600 boats in water (Vieux Port + Port Canto) 87% of which were from abroad
• 250 new models
• 230 boats over 20 metres
• 520 exhibitors, from 34 countries
• 95,000 m² net exhibition space

For this 32nd edition, the show is deploying its impressive logistics even more energetically. Eric de Saintdo explains that, 'despite the current economic context, we are counting on the reiterated confidence of the shipyards: more than 55 new companies have already confirmed they will be joining us and as of mid-May we have more than 335 exhibitors!

A performance resulting in particular from the steadfastness of the approach: the investments in terms of marketing and communication will be just as sizable for this year’s show; promotion will be at the international level, we will work closely with the exhibitors; sharing and resourcefulness will be proven again this year; all acting as leverage guaranteeing our success.'

'More than ever, in 2009 we want to continue offering a unique showcase highlighting the world of pleasure boating and luxury yachting, with large yachts still in the fore, 20 to 50 metres, and already plans for more than 450 boats in water. As always we will be welcoming the greatest names in yachting: Azimut Benetti, Baglietto, Beneteau, Cantieri du Pisa, Ferretti Group, Jeanneau, Peri Yachts, Pershing, Princess, Riva, Rodriguez Group, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker, Tamsen Yachts …symbol of quite an exceptional…and passionate…know-how,' concludes Eric de Saintdo.

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