750 people are allowed to attend events in the Netherlands where no seats are allocated. Of course, this is not the case at a trade fair. The lawmakers probably had rock festivals in mind, but apparently not civilised boat shows, especially not those that take place outdoors.
As a result, those responsible, together with those responsible in the municipality of Lelystad, were unable to find a modus operandi that would make it possible to hold the event. The number of stand personnel alone would have been higher than the permitted 750 people. This is incomprehensible, as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Zandvoort is apparently also taking place on the Sunday of the fair. Up to 100,000 visitors are supposed to be permitted there - albeit seated. But that's just the way the rules are.
By the way: Just a week ago, the organisers of the trade fair in Holland announced that they were on a safe path to this year's edition with the mayor of Lelystad. However, the report on this in YACHT 18/2021 is now incorrect. We apologise for this.
The trade fairs in Helsinki and Fredericia in Denmark also fell victim to the coronavirus regulations in their respective countries. This makes it all the more important that other exhibitions are currently being prepared according to plan: "We are looking forward to Interboot, everything is going as planned. We are in close contact with the authorities. It will be a safe trade fair for those involved. We have even sold more exhibition space. So we can get started," says Dirk Kreidenweiß, head of the Interboot.
Also in Cannes there will probably be a trade fair, of course with strict rules on admission. But that can be organised - for visitors and exhibitors alike. Grand Pavois in La Rochelle. Also Southampton reports: Everything is green! From Berlin, the Boat and fun no indication of a cancellation.
Of course, two big unknowns remain: How are the infection figures and the regulations developing? And to what extent will the public accept the trade fairs? Hopefully the upcoming trade fair season will show both of these things. Shipyards everywhere have of course sold well during the pandemic, but now it's time to refill the sales funnel. And in water sports, that typically happens at trade fairs.
