The Grand Pavois welcomed 93,000 visitors in 2013, is this the score to beat this year? Can we say that it reflects the market trend?
The Grand Pavois it is 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, 700 exhibitors, 35 countries represented, 650 boats represented (250 boats afloat, over 8 meters and 400 units on land, under 8 meters) and 12% which are tenders, canoes and kayaksâeuros¦
Although the sector has been in crisis since 2008 - all companies have lost a significant market share nationally even if they recover some of their turnover internationally - what is interesting this year, despite the moroseness of the sector, is that there is 69% of novelty in motorboats, 27% in sailing boats and 7% in canoes, rowing boats¦
Today, with the tax system implemented on households, if there are cuts to be made, they are necessarily made on leisure activities and we are hit hard.
In terms of visitors who come to the Grand Pavois, 75% come by invitation from nautical professionals, they are above all sailors, professional buyers who come to acquire a boat, electronics, equipmentâeuros¦ Between 18 and 20% are visitors who come to see the guests of honor, dreaming in front of the boatsâeuros¦
The smallest boats exhibited are semi-rigid of about 4.50 mètres to hard hull boats, through canoes, glidingâeuros¦ The offer is very important which allows to offer a wide coverage in terms of budget.
As an advanced indicator of the market's health, what is your feeling?
After a crisis in 2008/2009, the market recovered in 2010. Since 2011, it is again in decline. It is not starting again, it would be a lie to say the contrary, it is a euphoric vision. The construction sites that are very dynamic are looking for international markets but it is very hard for the companies that are suffering. It should not continue like this for much longer. However, as for real estate, interest rates are low but purchasing power is reduced because of the tax system.
When you think that at the first edition, 34 exhibitors and 64 boats were present on the show and that 3709 visitors had walked the pontoons, what is your hindsight compared to this fabulous evolution?
Le Grand Pavois is the work of a team and not of one man alone. We are a Board of Directors of 12 people and we work in a good atmosphere. The show has evolved, and despite the economic situation, we continue to project ourselves.
What is the recipe for the success of the show? Is it the fact of mixing all categories of boats (light sailing, yachtsâeuros¦), its positioning in the yearâeuros¦?
The recipe of the Grand Pavois is based above all on the fact that it is an association that works in a voluntary way, that there is a board that meets every month with administrators from different worlds: shipyards, engine manufacturers, charterers, equipment manufacturersâeuros¦ During these meetings, which last about 5 hours, we follow the trend and the situation of the market, the economic situation, and we look for ways for our profession. We have no financial interest, we are here to help the profession move forward.
On the other hand, the Grand Pavois is supported by local authorities such as the Regional Council of Poitou-Charentes, the General Council of Charente-Maritime, the Community of Agglomeration of La Rochelle, which allows to obtain a quality/price ratio the lowest of the market. Compared to other major trade shows, the prices are very attractive for the services offered.
The Grand Pavois also offers a gliding area, a fishing area, is this a new market trend?
The Grand Pavois has set up the gliding area because we have a representative of the sector among the members of the Council who reports to us on the market trends. Same thing for fishing. These are sectors that work. All the areas were created based on the experience of each member and the exchange between them.
What are the major changes to the show this year?
This year, there are no major changes as such, but rather improvements to the show for both exhibiting customers and show visitors. We have also invested heavily in the Premium area with a valet parking service, direct access to the Club Grand Pavois Lounge Premium, a personalized welcomeâeuros¦ The PÃ'le Catamaran is also evolving.
The show takes place over six days and a weekend, can we deduce that it is more for professionals than for individuals?
The Grand Pavois is a show for the general public, a show for enthusiasts with boats for sale and equipment for sale. The days when we have the fewest entries are practically Sundays, when people come to walk around and dream. During the week, they want to see the boats, they already have more or less precise ideas, so there is more traffic in terms of business.
In terms of exhibitors and boats presented, do you feel a basic trend is establishing itself (multihulls, 40/45 feet, trawlersâeuros¦)?
Not necessarily, we are still in the 60/40 range, 56% motor boats and 44% sailboats. However, the model that attracts the most is the catamaran.
Will you still use the "mini-marine" system for sea trials?
Yes, the mini-marinas were put in place a few years ago and they allow us to better present the boats. It is also easier to work with the dealers present, it improves the working conditions.
Preparations have begun, what is the biggest difficulty in organizing the show or your biggest fear?
The weather, always the weather conditions because the Grand Pavois is built from scratch.
How did you meet Antoine ALBEAU, an exceptional winner! Multiple windsurfing champion with 21 world championship titles and François GABART, skipper of the 60' MACIF, the patrons of this edition?
Antoine Albeau is a seasoned visitor of the Grand Pavois and the gliding area is important for him as for us. François Gabart is also close to the Grand Pavois with Macif, which is always present at the show.
We have established relationships with a number of people in the sporting world, which allows us to have exceptional sponsors. Not forgetting the 60' Macif which will be present at the show.
