The news, published by several online news sites, spread like wildfire on social networks and is currently the number one topic of conversation in the world of superyachts.
The Secretary General of SYBAss, Theo Hooning, confirmed in writing to BOOTE EXCLUSIV that the content of the statements published to date essentially corresponds to the statement in the letter. However, the letter as such does not currently want to be published in full.
The announcement that the Monaco Yacht Show will be cancelled follows a three-month period of uncertainty due to the COVID-19-related cancellation of all trade fairs (except the Cannes Yachting Festival and the MYS) and the resulting question of whether a show can even attract the right clientele in these uncertain times. It is also not clear whether worldwide travel will be possible again until September.
The problem is complex: on the one hand, everyone involved is concerned about the safety of trade fair visitors and exhibitors, especially as a trade fair like the MYS thrives on the social events and sociable environment of the Principality in a show-exceptional state. A MYS without champagne receptions, parties and a casual yachting lifestyle currently seems inconceivable to the decision-makers, who include the world's largest superyacht values and brokerage houses.
Furthermore, the question arises as to whether such an extraordinary display of wealth is appropriate at all in Corona times. Of course, the decision to stay away from the "industry barometer" MYS is not an easy one for SYBAss and LYBRA members either, which will most likely mean the end of the trade fair for this year.
With their initiative, the two associations also want to ensure that the concept of the show is fundamentally questioned. This makes the COVID-19 year a turning point for the MYS and many other boat shows. How can boat shows best serve the large yacht industry in the future and how can the MYS once again become a successful B2C trade fair and not an event predominantly attended by trade visitors?
The MYS is an unparalleled event that has probably manoeuvred itself into its current situation through a radically overpriced infrastructure over the years.
Exciting times lie ahead for the superyacht world.
SYBAss members include the 20 largest shipyards in the industry: Amels, Abeking & Rasmussen, Baglietto, Benetti, Bilgin Yachts, Burger, CRN, Delta Marine, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen, Horizon, Lürssen, Nobiskrug, Oceanco, Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, Sanlorenzo, Silver Yachts, Turquoise Yachts, Vitters Shipyard
LYBRA: Burgess, Edmiston, Fraser, IYC, YCO, Northrop & Johnson, Ocean Independence, Yachtzoo.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
