Gossip

Cold weather in Cannes doesn't mar le mar ... or la mer

The Old Port is right next to the exhibition centre or "Palais des Expositions" on the beach, which is, of course, what makes the Film Festival so attractive to American film producers who don't get to see topless babes on the sand in Boston.

But the Old Port also provides ample mooring for large hospitality suites, or "power boats" which can be hired for rather less, per square foot, than the few suites in the Hotel Splendid. So, of course, all the big wireless companies from PalmOne to Sendo have their own boat - complete, usually, with Internet access. Corporate hostility of the best sort can normally be arranged.

Alas! this opening day was slightly spoiled. There was a Force 6-7 wind blowing from the East, whipping the sea to a froth and, incidentally, sending a noticeable swell into the harbour mouth.

Pity the unfortunates who booked their mooring late, and got a berth near the harbour entrance. One boat actually had a full-time Aussie sailor on hand to stabilise the gang-plank, in the hope that relatively few intoxicated (yes, there was French wine available) delegates would immerse themselves in salt Mediterranean water.