Can you introduce us to the Grand Pavois show?
The Grand Pavois is a show dedicated to the world of small and medium-sized boats. It is not a show dedicated to large yachts. We find there various universes: semi-rigid, fishing, sport sailboat, cruising, rental and catamarans. The offer is wide with all the French production and many international ones.
We cover all the services and equipment that concern these types of navigation (electronics, engine, sail, hardware, fishing ...) and are present in dedicated areas on the show. The Grand Pavois is an appointment to discover boats and equipment.
There are also themed areas, such as the Beach, dedicated to board sports, the Fishing area, the Heritage area, but also a large Equipment hall and areas on land and in the water for boats. The exhibition area depends on the size of the boat. Up to 8 m, they are preferably on land and beyond 8 m, they are afloat. This means that many exhibitors have two stands.
At the show, we also offer the opportunity to try out boats to visitors and potential customers who want to try a boat before buying it.
The objective of the show is to try to bring the maximum of people on the water and in particular at the Beach where we lend equipment (board, kayak, paddle ...) to a clientele often young. We provide them with wetsuits, they are supervised by instructors and the animations are free.
Each year, we also have a guest of honor, a maritime country. This year, it is Madagascar. It is an island that makes you dream, that has a lot to offer for tourism and especially for nautical tourism.
What is the place of the show in the landscape of boat shows?
We present 700 boats - 400 on land and 300 on the water. About 25% of the boats are sailboats, 65% are motorboats. The remaining 10% are various boats such as canoes.
Although the world boating market is mainly driven by the growth of motorboats, the Grand Pavois show is different because of the important representation of sailing boats. The spirit of sailing remains present in La Rochelle. I think it is part of the history of the city. The tradition is respected.
What will be the highlights of the show?
There will not be any special moments, but animations all day long. In particular on the Madagascar stand. But also on the beach, with evolutions, demonstrations and conferences..
There is also the fishing area, especially when the boats return from sea, after the competition to present the results of the day.
For the past few years, the fishing area has been growing. It is still the case this year ?
Absolutely. Fishing is an industry that attracts a lot of people, from the simple amateur who puts a line in the water to the professional who knows the equipment and the places and makes it his job. It's a passion for a lot of people.
We've been developing this sector for 5/6 years and it's getting bigger and bigger. We have more and more registrations and semi-rigids in this Pro-am competition, where brands register.
What are the events not to be missed during the show?
Le Damien will be launched and will finally be exposed after all these years of refit. There will also be Pen Duick III as well as several 40-foot boats, including Eric Chapellier's Aina. There will be a whole series of spectacular event boats! But also speedboat trips for the general public, who want to go for a ride at sea. The program of activities is very extensive!
You will use an energy self-sufficient exhibition structure, why this choice?
With our installer, it has been developed a system by solar panels of the covered spaces to be autonomous in energy and not to use the public energy. It is a great first of autonomous management. The press area and the VIP reception will be completely covered with solar panels. If the results are convincing, it can give rise to developments for the future.
We are also committed to the protection of the environment. Boats that are used to clean the oceans will be exhibited in a reduced version.
What's new?
We have reorganized the show, removing one of the three aisles on the large central platform to give greater visibility of the boats on the pontoons. The median is much more airy and pleasant to walk around. It's a real step forward.
