A reaffirmed maintenance of the Thousand Ports
With many press releases and announcements, the organisers of the Mille Sabords, the annual meeting place for second-hand boats in the port of Le Crouesty, confirm that the 2020 edition of the boat show will be held. The experience of the cancellation of the Cannes Yachting Festival or the Grand Pavois, a few days before their opening and the evolution of the sanitary context, nevertheless incite caution, each of these organizers having claimed until the end to maintain their events. However, after the success of the Italian show in Genoa, hope remains for the sector. We interviewed exhibitors to find out the reasons for their involvement in the Mille Sabords.
Exhibitor solidarity
The first reason given by all the exhibitors questioned was the solidarity of the sector between itself and towards the association organising the Mille Sabords: "We're not going to break up, life doesn't stop" explains Patrick Isoard, manager of the USHIP Yachting Equipement hardware store in Arzon. "Even if we have to lose a few registration fees in case of cancellation, we're committed to supporting these shows because we'll be happy that they're still alive next year," adds Justine Perussel, from the manufacturer of the Temo electric scull.
A safe, open-air living room
The image given to boaters is also important for Yves Guérineau, manager of the Flahault Marine shipyard. "We have to show customers that we're trying at all costs to keep working, and we're convinced they'll be there. Our clientele, 70% of whom are Parisian, come for the All Saints' Day holidays. They call us to find out if it's still on. It's part of the history of the town: "The show is safe, because outdoors, and it's not just visiting boats where there can be a form of promiscuity," adds Patrick Isoard.
The advantage of a local exhibition
The place of the show in the season and its loyal and well-identified public are other assets put forward to justify their commitment by the professional exhibitors. "It's an important show at the end of the season. It allows to finish the stocks at the end of the season and to improve the cash flow" explains the manager of Yachting Equipement.
"We have a special affection for the Mille Sabords because it is the first event we participated in a year ago for the launch of the commercialization of our electro-portable thruster. In spite of the time and the little means, it was a big success. It is quite our target with a real proximity to the yachtsman. That corresponds to the proximity communication we want with Temo. We are convinced that the conviviality will be the same this year" concludes Justine Perussel.
