Coronavirus causes global superyacht show cancellations
Superyachting conferences and shows worldwide are being cancelled and postponed to protect public health due to the global coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, pandemic. Of the six international yacht and boat shows due to take place in March and April, only the Moscow Boat Show went ahead uninterrupted between March 5th – 9th, with the other events being cut short or cancelled.
The Amsterdam HISWA Boat Show was cut short just one day into the five-day event last Thursday (March 12th) following a ruling by Dutch government. Elsewhere, the organisers of the Palm Beach superyacht show disclosed: “Effectively immediately, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and Superyacht Show Palm Beach have been postponed until further notice.”
It remains unclear whether the superyacht events in Cannes and Monaco will take place this September. Meanwhile Superyacht Investor provides a definitive list of the main annual yacht and boat shows and their latest updates regarding Covid-19.
Yacht Shows:
Moscow Boat Show, March 5th-9th: Went ahead without interruption at Crocus Expo.
Dubai International Boat Show, March 10th-14th: Postponed until 24th November-– 28th November. Organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre said: “We have been working closely to assure that our clients’ needs are most effectively addressed, and the delivery of strong international participation considered, in these extraordinary times.”
Amsterdam HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show, March 11th- 15th:Cancelled onMarch 12th following instruction by Dutch government. Gertjan Roos, exhibition manager, Amsterdam Boat Show at RAI Amsterdam said: “We recognise that this measure will have a huge effect on our visitors, exhibitors, the HISWA team and RAI Amsterdam itself. Nonetheless, we have to play our part in trying to minimise the chance of any further dissemination of the coronavirus.”
Singapore Yacht Show, March 19th – 22nd:Postponed until October. Organisers said: “Since the situation seems to be escalating rather than levelling off, it is unlikely that travel restrictions and public perception of the health concerns will have eased sufficiently by the end of May to enable us to hold the show in that month.”
Palm Beach International Boat Show and Superyacht Show Palm Beach: March 26th-29th March: postponed until further notice. A statement from organisers: “Adhering to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James’ recommendation to suspend all mass gatherings over contagion concerns, we fully support the decision as the health and safety of our visitors, community, exhibitors, staff and vendors is our top priority. We are currently working with the City of West Palm Beach to identify a new date. We wish to thank our city officials and the boating community for their ongoing support.”
The Shanghai International Boat Show, April 31st – 2nd: Postponed until June 22nd -24th. Organisers stated: “This decision was made in conjunction with several event and industry stakeholders as to create a better event experience for our industry in the light of Covid-19.”
Beirut Boat Show, May: 9th-13th: Event organisers have not yet release any update regards Covid-19.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 21st – 24th May: Event organisers have yet to release any update.
Top Marques Monaco, June 11th – 14th: Event organisers have yet to release any update.
Hamburg Yacht Show, June 5th – 7th June: Event organisers have yet to release any update.
Cannes Yachting Festival, September 8th – 13th: Event organisers have yet to release any update.
Genoa International Yacht Show, September 17th – 22nd: Event organisers have yet to release any update.
Monaco Yacht Show, September 23rd- 26th: Event organisers have not yet release any update.
Superyacht Investor will continue to update readers on further decisions about the future of luxury yacht events this year.
Subscribe to our free newsletter
For more opinions from Superyacht Investor, subscribe to our email newsletter.
