Coronavirus Marine Update

In an effort to keep the industry up-to-date on the impact of COVID-19 on marine businesses and events throughout the world, OnboardOnline will be bringing you a concise digest of announcements by region, as we receive them.

Worldwide

The Association of Yacht Support Services (AYSS) and Yacht Aid Global (YAG) is constantly updating its superyacht COVID-19 information with valuable real time information about port and bureaucratic restrictions. Keep up-to-date with all the latest news from around the world here.

BIO-UV Group’s Coronavirus Surface Killer Approved

BIO-SCAN™, the UV-C-based surface disinfectant system announced last month by BIO-UV Group, has now received certification from two independent testing laboratories. Details here. 

IGY Marinas is providing centralised COVID-19 information for each IGY marina location

These details include details on local/national entry and departure restrictions by location, port entry and departure resources and onsite marina operations and procedures. 

Marinas include:

• Europe: IGY Sete Marina (France); Marina di Porto Cervo (Italy); St. Katharine Docks (England).

• US: Fore Points Marina (Portland); North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place (Manhattan); Marina at Ortega Landing (Jacksonville); One Island Park (Miami Beach); Maximo Marina (St. Petersburg).

• Caribbean: Blue Haven Marina (Turks & Caicos); Marina at Yacht Haven Grande (St. Thomas); American Yacht Harbor (St. Thomas); Yacht Club at Isle de Sol (St. Maarten); Simpson Bay Marina (St. Maarten); Rodney Bay Marina (St. Lucia). 

• Latin America/Mexico: Marina Santa Marta (Colombia); Red Frog Beach Island Marina (Panama); Marina Cabo San Lucas (Mexico).

For the latest update on each marina, click the link here. 

Coronavirus and Crew: Know Your Rights 

The coronavirus pandemic is a global de facto force majeure affecting all walks of life. It is disrupting all daily activities and intended future activities. However, it is not usual for force majeure to be included in employment contracts and MLC, 2006, (MLC) does not address the issue. This leaves commercial yacht owners and their seafarer employees facing problems to which there are no answers. It is a situation which owners, managers and captains need to ameliorate as best they can, hopefully with fairness and understanding by all parties.

Captain Rod Hatch & John Cook talk us through some of the most common issues that are facing seafarers right now and what action it is possible to take. Read full article here

Crew test positive for COVID-19 despite showing no symptoms

Dockwalk recently published a story explaining how three crew members were diagnosed with COVID-19 after being tested in South Florida. They were all asymptomatic and had been following safety guidelines. “I think this will be indicative of most vessels after people start testing,” said Captain Rob. “Two of my crew have been working out up to two hours each day up until their diagnosis, and none of them showed any signs or symptoms. Everyone is fit and healthy, and I think there are a lot of guys running around thinking they’re safe and they’re not. Walking around in denial is not going to help anyone.” Read full article here

United Kingdom

Two of the UK’s leading boatbuilders – Princess Yachts and Sunseeker International – are donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Britian’s frontline workers to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

British Marine Coronavirus Hub

Accessible to all, British Marine shares all the very latest government advice, together with business support tools, guidance and best practice on its dedicated coronavirus hub. Click here to visit the page. 

Next Poole Harbour Boat Show to be held in 2021

The sixth edition of the Poole Harbour Boat Show, which was scheduled to be held from June 12-14, has been postponed until 2021. This event has grown year-on-year since it started in 2015 and annually attracts some 30,000 visitors. It is the largest free-to-attend boat show on the UK’s south coast.

World Superyacht Awards - postponed

Now 5-6 September

The World Superyacht Awards, due to be held in London on 15-16 May, have been postponed until September, in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The event, which is organised by BOAT International, will now be held in London on 5-6 September. BOAT International's co-CEOs, Toby Moore and Tony Euden, said: "We have been monitoring the situation closely, and have taken the decision to postpone the Awards.

"The health and safety of our guests is obviously our first concern, and we cannot continue with the event in May given the current situation. At this time, our thoughts are with everyone already affected by coronavirus. "We look forward to welcoming our partners and guests to London in September."

Europe

Italy reopens borders to international travel, paving way for Genoa show

Italy reopened its international borders last week, allowing trips between Italian regions and travel to and from abroad.

Visitors from the EU, Schengen countries and the UK are now permitted to enter the country without having to undergo 14 days of self-isolation – a requirement for arrivals from all other nations until June 15 at the earliest. Details here. 

Montenegro - 3 June

Montenegro has opened its borders for all the countries with less than 25 people infected on 100,000 inhabitants. This allows yacht arrivals from the same countries without the need for quarantine. Details here.

France - 29 May

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has presented the plan to reopen most of France from June 2. Bars and restaurants, beaches, parks and lakes will all begin to reopen, and cultural and sporting life will progressively return to normal. Most shops and business that are still closed will reopen from this date. Details here. 

Albania - 29 May

The Prime Minister of Albania has announced that from June 1, the country will open its borders for business and tourism, meaning that life is well on track to going back to normal. Restaurants and bars have already opened up their outdoor terraces, and hotel beaches will be accessible as of the June 1, with public ones opening as from the 10^th. Details here.

Greece - 29 May

Greece has reopened its borders to charter yachts. Having received its first private yachts on May 25th, marinas across the country are fully operational and ready to welcome tourists for the upcoming season. Details here. 

Italy - 18 May

Italy returned to the water once again after the Italian Prime Minister authorised sailing within the region of a person’s residence until June 2 and as of June 3, it should be possible to leave regional waters to sail freely around the Italian coast. Details here.

Monaco - 15 May 

SYBAss & LYBRA Withdraw from Monaco Yacht Show 2020. Details here.

Greece - 15 May

Greek Yachting Association announces plans to launch the first virtual charter show in September 2020. Details here.

France 14 May

Cannes Yachting Festival to go ahead as planned 8-13 September. Details here.

France - 13 May 

ECPY Clarifies the implication of the prefectoral decree of 8 May for commercial yachts regarding nautical activities in French waters. Details here.

Greece - 11 May

Dates confirmed for 7th Mediterranean Yacht Show which will take place from the April 22 - 25 2021. Details here. 

France - 8 May 

French government announces an easing of restrictions, allowing movement of certain vessels under certain conditions in the Mediterranean, valid from Monday, 11th May and subject to further notice on 2nd June 2020. Ecomer highlights possible risk of coronavirus in sea water following tests in Italy. Details here.

Ferretti Group Restarts Production

Ferretti Group has re-opened all its shipyards located in Ancona, Mondolfo, Cattolica, Forlì, La Spezia, Sarnico. Read the full article here. 

French PM Reveals Detailed Plan to End Lockdown in France

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Tuesday presented to parliament the government's detailed plan for gradually easing France's strict lockdown. 
To name a few main points discussed, no permission slips will be needed after May 11th, shops will reopen at this time but bars, restaurants, cinemas and beaches will remain closed and public gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed. For all the details, click here. 

Sanlorenzo Reopens

Sanlorenzo’s executive chairman Massimo Perotti reported to shareholders on 21 April that all of the yacht builder’s facilities were operational as of 20 April and the company is aiming for a limited impact on results for 2020. Read the full article here

MB92 Resumes Activity Under Strict Protection Measures - Barcelona and La Ciotat

MB92 Group announced today that they have re-started activity at both of their facilities in Barcelona and La Ciotat. Operations, which resumed on the 14th of April, are to be escalated gradually and involve extremely strict procedures to protect all people entering and operating in the shipyard. These will control all working procedures, as well as the flow and movement throughout the various areas within the sites. Read the full article here

Rescheduled Palma Show Cancelled - Spain

The Palma International Boat Show, which was rescheduled from its original April 29-May 3, 2020 dates to June 4-7, has now been cancelled until late April-early May in 2021.

In a statement, the organisers said: “Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and consequent state of alarm, and in light of its responsibilities, the organisers have decided that it would not be possible to hold the event while ensuring optimum safety conditions for both exhibitors and visitors. The decision was also taken in light of the organisers’ responsibilities towards the marine industry and the companies that take part in the event each year.” Read the full article here

Genoa Boat Show  Rescheduled - Italy

17-22 September

The 60th edition of Genoa Boat Show, one of Europe’s top three consumer boat shows, has been pushed back by two weeks, from the original dates of 17-22 September to the following month, 1-6 October 2020. Last year’s event attracted a reported 188,000 visitors.

Regulations Announced for Yachting Activities in France

20 March 2020 

ECPY has released a new decree on the navigation of ships and activities in internal and territorial French waters of the Mediterranean to deal with the COVID-19 epidemic.
Please find here the Decree of the French Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean no 037/2020 of 20 March 2020. It concerns all yachts, with special considerations for foreign-flagged yachts crossing French territorial waters and for yachts returning to their base port.

Marinas excluded from Croatia’s COVID-19 economic response - Croatia

by Tony Esposito

Croatia’s marina industry has sent a letter to the government asking why it wasn’t included in that country’s efforts to help the economy and tourism due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and requesting help to “halt the collapse of the sector” in time for this year’s tourist season.

“It is very urgent for us to recognise the marina system that employs around 2,500 people, and the specifics of the sector that make us not currently eligible for state minimum wage support,” Sean Lisjak, president of the Association of Marinas at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, explained to business journal Poslovni Dnevnik. “As a rule, marinas have been in operation since April 1, so we have no evidence that revenue has fallen in the past because we were closed.”

To stem the financial tide, marinas also began charging charter companies – also excluded from state wage support – for services previously included in rental fees. But with tourism shutdown, the charter companies have no way of paying the additional fees.

“We are seeking to equalise us with the rest of the tourism sector through a measure of release of the concession payment, and release us of the concession payment for 2021. Also, in the long run, we seek equalisation through tax treatment as well as lowering the value added tax rate on marina services to 13%,” concluded Lisjak.

Quaynote Communications reschedules superyacht conferences

Events to be held in second half of 2020

The superyacht event organiser, Quaynote Communications, has rescheduled two events which it is directly organising and a third one in which it was sharing in the arranging of the conference. The event dates have been changed due to the travel restrictions that have impacted on the movements of speakers, sponsors and delegates linked to the coronavirus.

The first of this trio of events that was due to be held in Antibes was entitled ‘Improving Crew Retention’. As yet no new dates have been finalised. Alison Singhal, a director of Quaynote, told IBI: “I am talking with the sponsors and speakers about arranginf a new date for this event.”

As to Quaynote’s other own event, the 8th edition of ‘Opportunities in Superyachts’ has now been rescheduled to be held in Malta on December 2, 2020. It was originally due to be held in Malta on March 25.

The third event in which Quaynote is assisting with the organisation alongside Superyacht Technology magazine, is the Superyacht Technology Conference. This will now be held on October 7-8, 2020 at the World Trade Center in Barcelona. These dates coincide with the Barcelona Boat Show which is being held October 7-12, 2020 at nearby Marina Port Vell.

MYBA Charter Show 2020 - rescheduled

27-30 April, Barcelona, Spain 

The 32nd edition of the MYBA Charter Show, due to be held at Marina Port Vell in April, will now be held between Monday 26 and Thursday 29 April 2021, at Marina Port Vell in Barcelona.

In a statement, the MYBA board said: “Further to our communique dated 5 March regarding the MYBA Charter Show, we would like to inform you that the MYBA Board held a conference call yesterday to further discuss the holding of the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona in the current environment.”

It added: “The COVID-19 virus situation has evolved rapidly over the last few days and, unfortunately, developments have not been favourable. The Board therefore finds itself in a Force Majeure situation vis-à-vis its contractual obligations and considers it is best not to proceed in these unprecedented circumstances.”

“This is undoubtedly very disappointing news,” it continued, “however, taking into consideration the information that is currently available and the health of our members and all show participants being one of MYBA’s key priorities, it is not possible to ensure the show is organised in the safe and productive environment that we are recognised for by the superyacht industry.”

Venice International Boat Show - postponed

June 3-7, Venice, Italy

The Venice International Boat Show, which had been due to be held from June 3-7, has now become the last Italian mainstream marine leisure event scheduled before September’s Genoa show. The 2020 Venice show would have been its second addition and it had plans to significantly expand the event after 2019.

The organisers, who are already said to be working on the 2021 plans, commented in a statement: “Due to the persistence of the Covid-19 epidemic and the recent measures that all countries in the world have been adopting to block international travel, it has been decided to postpone the event to the 2021 edition.”

The event was down to be held at Venice’s Arsenale, which includes a dock basin of 50,000sq m, some 30,000sq m of outdoor exhibition space and 10,000sq m of indoor pavilions plus 1.5km of pontoons able to accommodate up to 250 boats.

Superyacht Cup Palma 2020 - cancelled

17-20 June, Palma, Spain

Organisers of the Superyacht Cup Palma have cancelled the 2020 regatta scheduled for 17-20 June due to the ongoing global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and in line with recommendations from the Spanish and Balearic Governments.

“This ongoing global crisis has made planning for the event impossible and so we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to cancel this year’s event. We urge everyone to stay safe and we look forward to welcoming the superyacht fleet back to Palma in 2021 for what will be the 25^th anniversary of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta,” said event director, Kate Branagh.

The provisional dates for the 25^th anniversary edition are 23-26 June 2021.

Mediterranean Yacht Show 2020 - cancelled 

2-6 May, Athens, Greece

The 7th edition of the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2020, has been cancelled. In a statement, the Greek Yachting Association said: "In light of the rapid and negative global developments of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), the Board of Directors of the Greek Yachting Association has chosen to cancel the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2020. This decision has been made after a careful assessment of the worldwide situation.

"The wellbeing of our guests and associates is always of the utmost importance to us so we have decided to follow what we consider the most responsible route in respect to the event. Apart from the sense of responsibility that the Association feels, travel and flight bans that are already in place in many countries (and may be extended) make it impossible as far as logistics are concerned. It is our hope that in the coming weeks the situation will present positive developments and that we will all be able to begin working on the recovery process from what is an unprecedented situation.

"We are very disappointed about this turn of events but it is in the best interest of all and, although mass gatherings may not be advisable under the current circumstances, we would like to close with a note of optimism: chartering a superyacht was and still is one of the safest ways to travel and enjoy a vacation.

"We look forward to welcoming you in 2021, with calm seas, fair winds and blue skies."

TYBA Yacht Charter Show 2020 - cancelled

7-10 May, Yalikavak Marina, Turkey

The 3rd TYBA Yacht Charter show has been cancelled, and will be back in May 2021. In a statement on Instagram, the TYBA Board of Directors & Yacht Charter Show Committee said: "As our first priority is certainly the health and well being of the general public and all of our participants, it was decided unanimously to postpone the 3rd TYBA Yacht Charter Show @ Yalıkavak Marina, which was planned to take place between 7-10 May 2020, to May 2021 due to Covid-19 spreading rapidly worldwide and in Turkey, causing unforeseen health risks, as well as travel and meeting restrictions.

"Exact dates of the 2021 TYBA Show will be announced at a later stage.

"As the TYBA Board of Directors and the Show Committee, we thank to all participants for their support and cooperation so far for their hard work and efforts, and hope to meet again in better days next year."

Swan European Regatta - postponed 

7-13 July, Turku, Finland

In the light of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus affecting the whole world, Nautor’s Swan and Turku Yacht Club met yesterday, April 8, to define the next steps for the organization of the Swan European Regatta, planned from July 7^th to 13^th.

Turku represents the home of the passionate Swan owners of that area and hosted three previous Swan regattas - in 2006 on the occasion of the Turku Yacht Club 100th anniversary, in 2012 and  again in 2016 for Nautor’s Swan 50th anniversary,  With more than 100 yachts expected at this year’s event and 31 already registered, it is with a heavy heart that Nautor and Turku have jointly decided to postpone the event to Summer 2021.

“It was not an easy decision to make, but at the moment we feel this is the right thing to do” says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Holding CEO. “Being back in Turku after four years, breathing the essence of the passion and love our owners have for our brand, was something we were all looking forward to. Unfortunately considering the current and uncertain situation worldwide, the general mood and our aim not to jeopardize our guests’ health and safety, led us to this important decision”.

“The Coronavirus situation in Finland is still under control, hopefully it won’t change in the near future”  says Samuli Salantera, Commodore of the Yacht Club Turku. “Turku has always been the house for Swans in the Baltic and we feel the need to host this event in the best condition ever, and this is not the right time. We surely will celebrate our Spirit of Swan properly next year”.

Sweboat Members are still in business

Sweden

Sweboat members are still in business and service/maintenance, aftermarket, equipment retail are all performing well, but yards and distributors of new boats are losing sales drastically.

There is a full package of support available for SMEs affected by the current situation. The application process seems complicated, so Sweboat is assisting their members with this.

Sweboat has taken the lead in gathering all boating associations together for a Discover Boating activity later this spring - if it is ethically appropriate. The promotion will also contain appropriate messages from our Authorities how do be a responsible boater - if boating is allowed when the summer comes.

Beneteau adopts “exceptional measures”

France

Due to the Covid-19 epidemic’s progression and the necessary measures taken by the public authorities to protect people’s health, Groupe Beneteau says it has taken the decision to temporarily suspend its boat and leisure home construction activities in France and Italy.

"Activities at our production units in the US and Poland have slowed down to date, but have not been shut down,” says the company in a statement.

“In this exceptional situation facing our country and all our employees, this suspension of activity is necessary. We are taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of our employees in all countries and to help ensure a quick resumption of our activities as soon as the situation allows us to do so,” says Beneteau chairman and CEO Jérôme de Metz.

The presentation of Beneteau’s strategic plan, scheduled for April 29, will be deferred to a subsequent date.

Beneteau’s share price sank to €4.90 on Monday – its lowest level since 2006 and down approximately 50% for the year, although it has recovered somewhat today, up to €6.41 in mid-day trading.

Dufour suspends production

France

Dufour Yachts has decided to suspend the activity of its production while the pandemic spread is under control and with a regular review according to the decisions of French government. “We hope that it will be as short as possible. The sales and communication teams, supply and customer services remain reachable and continue to work safely to provide the best services as possible during this period,” says the company in a statement.

“We are aware of the impact this may have on partners and customers and we thank you for your understanding and international solidarity. We can assure you that our teams are mobilised to find solutions to minimise the impacts linked to this global health crisis. Today, the main thing is to brave this virus all together and our teams are already working to best prepare for the return to full activity. Sales and communication teams, supply and customer service stay at your disposal for any requirement. Even if the supplies and delivery will certainly be very disturbed and we count on your understanding.”

Dufour says that all current orders will be honoured and all boats delivered. “We will inform you of the new delivery date with a new planning, as soon as we have visibility on the end of the health crisis

French Olympic Week - postponed

18-25 April, France

"The Covid-19 is an unprecedented situation and we would like to extend our sincere thoughts to all those affected by this crisis.  As organisers of the SOF, our actions are driven by the desire to ensure the safety of the athletes participating at sailing events such as the SOF.

"The situation around the COVID-19 virus is impacting the preparations for the SOF and is changing day by day.

"In conjunction with World Sailing, and the other organisers, we are all trying to provide the best framework for the athletes to train, prepare and eventually be selected for the Olympics. 

"Subject to the final dates of World and European championships of the Olympic classes which are evolving at the moment, the SOF shall try to provide a framework for the athletes to train and prepare for the Olympics in the second half of May.

"The final decision will be published by Friday, April 17th 2020."

HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show – closed early

11-15 March, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The 65th HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show opened yesterday at the RAI exhibition centre as scheduled with awards announced at the opening ceremony and some launches taking place.  But this evening, organisers shut the show down on short notice following newly-issued guidance by the Dutch government earlier today to limit events with more than 100 people.

Wind & Water (Warsaw) – cancelled

12-15 March, Warsaw, Poland

The 32nd Wind & Water Boat Show was due to open today and close on March 15 at the Global EXPO Trade Fair and Congress Centre in Warsaw. It is one of the biggest fairs for Poland’s fast-growing boating industry and normally attracts around 30,000 visitors. No new dates have yet been proposed.

For Boat (Prague) – cancelled

13-15 March, Prague, Czech Republic

The Prague Boat Show (For Boat) was due to open tomorrow and close on March 15 at the PVA Expo Centre. The show attracts around 30,000 visitors in a normal year. New dates have yet to be announced.

Les Nauticales (La Ciotat) – cancelled

14-22 March, La Ciotat, France

Les Nauticales in La Ciotat, France has been cancelled by the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis. It normally attracts around 200 exhibitors and close to 33,000 visitors, with more than 500 boats on land and afloat.

Sjoen for Alle (Oslo) – cancelled

18-22 March, Oslo, Norway

Norway’s largest boat show, Sjoen For Alle, was due to have been held just outside Oslo at the Lillestrom exhibition centre next week. As yet no alternative dates have been released.

Coronavirus slows down IMCI certifications
by Robert Wielaard

Belgium

The Brussels-based International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) says the coronavirus pandemic is slowing down, but not halting its inspections of watercraft and their components.

In a notice to clients, IMCI says the spreading coronavirus has led its inspectors and office staff to embrace the requisite safety measures, including working remotely.

“This does not mean the work is at rest, but that the processing will unfortunately take a little longer than we are all used to,” IMCI CEO Uli Heinemann says in the notice. “The IMCI office in the EU is nonetheless staffed on a daily basis, albeit with a smaller team. Full communication is ensured as usual.”

IMCI’s core business is to certify that in the European Union watercraft and their components comply with the EU Recreational Craft Directive’s technical, safety and environmental norms. These apply to recreational craft of 2.5m-24m (8ft-79ft), personal and converted watercraft and marine components and engines.

For the US market, IMCI certifies if boats there comply with the norms of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). For offshore sailing yachts, IMCI checks compliance with the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations.

Greece
By Manos Roudas

Despite concerns about the quickly changing nature of the coronavirus outbreak throughout the Mediterranean, Greek brokers are keen to reassure charterers that a yacht can provide the safest holiday option, providing an excellent alternative to high-end hotels, cruises, resort and villa holidays.

Nevertheless, Greece will be in total lockdown for the next two weeks at least, after the government decided to impose a series of strict measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus across the country. Effective today (Wednesday 18), following a decision by the prime minister, all retail stores will be compelled to close down, except supermarkets and pharmacies. Secretary General for Civil Protection Nikos Chardalias also announced last night that all Greek ports and marinas will be closed to all yachts outside the EU. For those that arrive anyway, there will be a 14 days quarantine, so passengers will have to remain on board.

Hanse Yachts maintains production pace; sold out until June

Germany

In response to customer queries about delivery dates for existing orders and the possibility of taking new orders for the summer, Jens Gerhardt, CEO of German boatbuilder Hanse Yachts, has detailed steps the company has taken to maintain planned production levels and meet increased demand.

Americas

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, representing the boating industry in the US, has released a new resource on regulations impacting boat manufacturing and boating access by State. Regulations regarding manufacturing are available here and those regarding access to outdoor recreation and boating are available here. 

The US Superyact Association reports on the CDC reopening guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, Schools, and homes. Details here. 

Swan America Regatta Postponed to 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the New York Yacht Club to postpone 2020 Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex, which was to include the Swan American Regatta, from its scheduled dates of July 14 to 18 to a to-be-determined date in September. As September is quite a busy month for Nautor's Swan, including the Rolex Swan Cup in Sardinia among other European events, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 edition of the Swan American Regatta.

Last June, for the first time in over a decade, Nautor’s Swan hosted the Swan American Regatta in the iconic setting of Newport as part of the New York Yacht Club's 165th Annual Regatta, North America's oldest annual event. The three-day regatta was a success, and earlier this year Nautor's Swan and the Club agreed to host the regatta each summer through 2022.
 
“Our American Swan owners are very important for us, and we want to be sure they feel like they are a part of our family,” says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. “This year we are not able to be part of the event, but we remain committed to reestablishing the Swan American Regatta as an annual tradition in the United States. We look forward to sailing with our American Swan owners in 2021 and enjoying the fun and the excitement that is fundamental to the Spirit of Swan”.

Marinas and Boatyards Reopen in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut 

Marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers have been permitted to reopen in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as the metropolitan region continues to treat the coronavirus pandemic.

These waterfront areas were closed for weeks as strict social distancing rules were implemented across the region. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced the reopening, according to Business Insider.

Read the full article here. 

Saltwater Fishing Expo – cancelled

13-15 March, Edison, NJ, USA

The NMMA has cancelled the Saltwater Fishing Expo following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “While the decision to cancel the show didn’t come easy, the health and wellbeing of all those involved in our shows remains our top priority,” says Jennifer Thompson, NMMA Senior VP of Boat and Sport Shows.

Northwest Sportshow – as scheduled

2-5 April, Minneapolis, MN USA

The NMMA says it is still moving forward with the Northwest Sportshow scheduled for April. The association will continue to closely monitor the situation, follow guidance from federal, state and local agencies and alert all stakeholders should the situation change.

ROW Countries

French Polynesia to Open its Borders on July 15

French Polynesia has had no active cases of COVID-19 since May 29 and as such, the country’s authorities recently announced that the borders will be re-opening to international tourism from July 15, 2020.  Quarantine measures will also be completely lifted. Download the official note here. 

Thailand Yacht Show - rescheduled 

The Thailand Yacht Show returns to the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina for its sixth edition from January 7- 10 2021. Details here. 

Antigua Charter Show

The Antigua Charter Show has announced that is has several yachts ready to register for the 2020 Antigua Charter Yacht Show, which will be taking place between the 4th and 9th of December.

4 May - Tahiti, French Polynesia

With the population lucky to have only 58 cases with no casualties up to now, Tahiti has announced an easing of restrictions. Details here.

Shanghai show postponed for second time

The organisers of the 25th China International Boat Show have announced a further postponement of the country’s premier boat show. The exhibition, which was originally due to have taken place at the beginning of this month, was postponed until June 22-24 but has now been moved forward again to April 1-3, 2021.

NZ marine industry temporarily suspended

With New Zealand now in total lockdown, the country’s entire marine industry has ceased operations until possibly the end of April. The NZ Coastguard has also requested that Kiwis do not go boating.

32nd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show  - postponed

21-24 May, Queensland's Gold Coast

"In accordance with Government guidelines on slowing the spread of Covid-19, Mulpha Group has made the decision to postpone the 32nd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show which was scheduled for 21 to 24 May 2020 on Queensland's Gold Coast. So far, there is no official announcement regarding Australian Marine Export Group conference, ASMEX, which was to be held in conjunction with the show, scheduled Monday 18 to 20 May.  

"Like fellow exhibitors, Ocean Media, an exhibitor and media partner of the event for 16 years, is disappointed yet supportive of Mulpha’s decision.

"We empathise with manufacturers and importers, dealers and distributors, customers, clients, employees and contractors of the many hundreds of businesses impacted by postponing one of the main B2B and consumer events on the marine industry calendar. But in light of Australian Government and Queensland Government advice, this is the correct course of action. Other postponements over the weekend were San Francisco SailGP and it is looking very likely, though no official release through yet that the first America’s Cup World Series in Cagliari, Sardinia in April will also be postponed.

"The visit of the America’s Cup Trophy to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Sydney on the 27 March to promote the inaugural Moonen Yachts Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, in 2021 (which is still scheduled to take place) has also been postponed.

"So, to the owners of yachts of all sizes and to our fellow industry friends, I can think of nothing more perfect than to end with this thoughtful observation from Oliver Wendell Holmes, America’s long-serving US Supreme Court justice in the early 20th century"

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving ... we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.”

"Stay safe, protect your loved ones and see you out on the water soon."

Taiwan International Boat Show – postponed

12-15 March, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

The four-day event was scheduled to take place at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center and Kha Shing Pier 22 Marina and consists of four different exhibition sectors including a superyacht pavilion, an outdoor/in-water display, indoor boat exhibits, and marine equipment and accessories. New dates will be announced soon.

Korea International Boat Show – rescheduled

Singapore Yacht Show – postponed

19-22 March, Sentosa Cove, Singapore

The 10^th edition of the Singapore Yacht Show is postponed until October with the exact dates yet to be confirmed. The show normally attracts around 16,000 visitors and 160 exhibitors.

Article courtesy of IBI News: www.ibinews.com/events/coronavirus-marine-update/35883.article

Images: Pixabay