The Cour of Cassation has confirmed RX France’s right to operate the Cannes Yachting Festival until 2041.
The decision puts an end to seven years of legal proceedings initiated by the French Boating Industry Federation (FIN).
FIN had previously initiated proceedings challenging a contractual agreement between the organisation and RX France granting the latter management rights to the Cannes Yachting Festival.
In 2021, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled in favour of RX France on all counts, but FIN referred its case to the Cour of Cassation which has now confirmed the ruling.
“We welcome this favourable decision with great satisfaction as it definitively acknowledges our rights and clearly sets the record straight following all the counter-truths heard over the past seven years,” said Michel Filzi, chairman of RX France.
“Even before this court ruling, we had opened a new page with the FIN. We renewed a calm dispassionate dialogue with the new FIN Chairman, elected in 2022, and his new team, and at the most recent Yachting Festival, we were already able to work together, one example being the launch of the Posidonia initiative.”
He added: “Despite the difficult legal context over the past seven years, we have continued to innovate and increase the international reach of the event for the benefit of our customers and the global yachting community as a whole.
“By creating a new Sailing Area in Port Canto, expanding the in-water exhibition areas in the Vieux Port for motorboats, and highlighting the sustainable offering, we continue to work tirelessly to offer the French and international sailing community an exceptional experience.”
Sylvie Ernoult, event director, added that by working with the French and international yachting community, Canne’s position has been consolidated as the leading in-water festival in Europe for all sectors.
Transformation
“Over the last seven years, the Festival surface area has increased by over 50% and the number of boats has increased from 630 to 705,” she said.
“The next three years will be marked by the transformation of the Vieux Port and the work this will entail.”
The FIN had already had proceedings against RX France dismissed by the Autorité de la Concurrence (Competition Authority) in 2017. Another action taken against the Nice-Côte d’Azur ICC was dismissed by the Nice Administrative Court in 2020. The next Cannes Yachting Festival will take place from Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 September 2024.
