COVID Catch-up Dusseldorf off, Heineken on, Miami looking ahead

Jan 28, 2021

boot last time

Dusseldorf off, Heineken on, Miami looking ahead

boot 2021 cancelled  

Messe Düsseldorf decided to cancel boot (the organizers love lower case) Düsseldorf 2021, the world’s leading international water sports trade fair, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated worldwide lockdown measures.

Under the given circumstances, the planned April date can no longer be guaranteed, explained Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf: “The continuing high level of infection and the fact that the end of the lockdown is not foreseeable for the time being make a resumption of trade fair operations at the end of April appear increasingly unrealistic. We have reassessed the situation with our partners and jointly decided to cancel boot 2021 early. Our priority is the health and planning security of our exhibitors, visitors and service providers.  
The next boot will be held according to its regular cycle from January 22 – 30, 2022 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The 41st St.Maarten Heineken Regatta launches ‘Safe Harbor’ concept

With COVID still rampant, the organizers of the 41st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta reassure sailors world-wide that plans are still moving forward for the Regatta to take place from March 4- 7. Although the future course of the Covid-19 pandemic is far from clear, the Sint Maarten Yacht Club Regatta Foundation and its supporters feel confident to host four days of world-class racing and deliver the top-notch experience to which sailors and regatta followers have become accustomed.

By over delivering on local Covid-19 safety measures and regulations, creating a controlled ‘Safe Harbor’ environment, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is focusing on delivering a safe, competitive, professional and “Serious Fun!” event.

Participants will have to comply with health and entry guidelines that are set by the island’s government and the event’s organizers. These guidelines are communicated on the official www.HeinekenRegatta.com website and updated regularly.

As of January 11, 2021, the government of Sint Maarten has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 insurance for all travelers visiting Sint Maarten. The insurance purchase process is an integrated step in the EHAS application, which is mandatory when travelling to Sint Maarten. Complete travel entry guidelines can be found at www.stmaartenentry.com.

Organizers have also made arrangements for ON-SITE COVID testing during the weekend, to provide timely results for those persons wanting to be tested to travel back on the Monday or Tuesday after the event.

The St. Maarten Heineken is normally renowned for its spectacular parties, something that will be eliminated in this year’s event format. This year’s Regatta Village will be a quiet and relaxed atmosphere set by the marina at Port de Plaisance. Imagine watching footage of the day’s racing, listening to daily results, purchasing regatta gear, enjoying an ice-cold Heineken and delicious locally prepared food in a socially distanced atmosphere in the beautiful Marina at Port de Plaisance. Sailors are obliged to adhere to all COVID protocols.

“We will turn the village in to a ‘Safe Harbor’ Sailor’s Village, where participants can enjoy the atmosphere of being outdoors in a fun and safe environment. You can choose to stay on your boat, walk to the various outdoor vendors, and enjoy some great food and drinks all in a safe atmosphere,” explains adds John Leone the event’s On-Shore Production Director.

Miami Shows merge

In late fall, 2020, The Miami shows (and most others) were cancelled amid the second COVID wave. Now, when things heat up again next year the competing Miami shows will merge in a single super-show.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced a partnership with Informa Markets to merge the Miami International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show, including Superyacht Miami, creating one of the largest marine events in the world.

The joint production, which will carry the Miami International Boat Show name, is scheduled to debut Feb. 16-20, 2022. The in-water events will be centered in downtown Miami at Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza and Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. The portion of the show that’s off the water will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

There will be no longer be a show presence at the Miami Marine Stadium and Park on Virginia Key, where MIBS has been staged the last five years.