Monaco Yacht Show to sail ahead for 2020 as a not-for-profit event

A global pandemic may have uprooted the world as we know it, but it won’t stop Monaco Yacht Show 2020 from going ahead.

Boasting 125 superyachts, the prestigious event will take place as a not-for-profit occasion, recognising the challenges facing the world post COVID-19.

Established in 1991, the world’s leading superyacht show is being organised by Informa PLC and yachting experts will gather to honour the world of finely crafted vessels.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on all industries, not least the international yachting community," Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Markets, says. "As we move to the other side of the pandemic, all parts of the industry need to work collaboratively to ensure a speedy return and recovery.

"We are playing our part by hosting a not-for-profit Monaco Yacht Show in 2020, providing an opportunity for the community to come together, share ideas, meet with customers and start to rebuild positive momentum."

Monaco has had 99 confirmed COVID-19 cases and four deaths since the outbreak in Wuhan, China, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Event authorities explained the highest standards of hygiene will be implemented as well as controlling the environment with stringent safety measures to promote the start of industry recovery post-pandemic.

The Monaco Yacht Show plans to provide one of the finest multi-billion-dollar platforms for marine aficionados including designers, brokers and shipyards.

Like many global enterprises, the yachting world’s businesses have been forced to temporarily close, upheaving the annual cycle of industry activity.

"It is the responsibility of the Monaco Government to do everything we can to help businesses and industries recover quickly." – Jean Castellini

As countries gradually relax lockdown and travel restrictions, including in Europe – one of the hardest hit pandemic locations – the annual Monaco Yacht Show will be unlike any other.

"In the spirit of the history and position of the event within the superyacht industry, the 30th Monaco Yacht Show will be run on a not-for-profit basis, recognising the challenges facing everyone post the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, providing direct support to all attendees and exhibitors from across the market," a statement explained.

While the floating exhibition list won’t be released until July, last year’s event sprawled across 42,000 square metres and attracted more than 30,000 people – 87% of them international visitors. The global drawcard is one of the aspects organisers are hoping will help restart the economy following the unprecedented crisis.

"In the aftermath of COVID-19, it is the responsibility of the Monaco Government to do everything we can to help businesses and industries recover quickly," Jean Castellini, Minister of Finance and Economy for Monaco, says. "In this spirit, we are working with Informa to finalise details of the 2020 Monaco Yacht Show, which will prioritise the health and safety of all participants, while providing direct support to the international yachting community, ensuring it can connect with customers and accelerate the recovery of what is an increasingly important industry for the region."

The 2020 Monaco Yacht Show, which is officially sponsored by Ulysse Nardin, will be held 23–26 September in Monaco.

Ever wondered what it’s really like on the ground at the Monaco Yacht Show? Take a look at the €4 billion display of legendary superyachts from 2019.