Messe boot Düsseldorf: Go ahead or cancel - what will happen to boot Düsseldorf?

No question is currently being asked more often than that of the leading German water sports trade fair. Will it take place because the number of infections is currently decreasing? Or will it be cancelled because concerns about the rapid spread of the coronavirus make major events with international participation too risky?

Originally, visitors and exhibitors had expected clarification from the resolutions of the federal-state conference before Christmas. But this has yet to materialise. And the trade fair management is currently not responding to enquiries.

According to unofficial information, a decision could be made tomorrow. At least that is what Petros Michelidakis, the project manager of boot, told shipyard bosses.

What makes the situation more difficult is apparently how the repayment claims are to be dealt with. The federal government has provided default aid for this purpose, which was specifically extended last week due to the new restrictions. However, their distribution was apparently still unclear.

It is also unclear whether the trade fair is classified as a "major supra-regional event" - in which case it would not be feasible from 28 December due to the coronavirus restrictions. Or is the boot more comparable to the operation of shopping centres or large consumer markets, which can remain open in compliance with the 2G rule? All of this influences the decision that those responsible have been facing for weeks.

Numerous exhibitors have already decided not to go to Düsseldorf. For this reason, Halls 16 and 17, for example, where most of the well-known yacht shipyards were represented, will remain closed in any case. But we have also received more and more cancellations from suppliers, not least because of the stricter quarantine regulations in countries that are considered to be virus variant areas, such as Denmark or England.

How would you decide: go through with it or cancel? Take part in the YACHT online survey now:

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