Emmanuel Jacobée, president of the organizing association, talks about the future of the Mille Sabords show in 2023.
Why open a used salon to new units?
The market is changing. Since COVID, we realize that there are fewer boats for sale. The Internet as a whole has hurt us. We're a physical show, so a seller has to make the effort to move his boat to come and exhibit it with us. It's easier for him to present it virtually on the Internet.
This trend is all the more pronounced as the supply of boats is in short supply. There are fewer used boats on the market. This is partly due to the disrupted production of new boats, with long delivery delays. As a result, faced with delivery delays, buyers easily fall back on second-hand boats, whether sail or power.
With this in mind, we wanted to revitalize the show to meet visitor demand. We're rejuvenating our offering by proposing a comprehensive range of new and used boats, equipment and services.
What can be done to counter this trend?
The association that runs the Mille Sabords trade show is run by Crouesty's nautical professionals. We met several times over the past 2 years to start thinking about the future. It was decided to exhibit new boats as well as second-hand. This is an important turning point, as the show, which for 39 years has presented only 100% pre-owned boats, will display new boats for the first time in 2023. These new boats will be exhibited both afloat and afloat. Around 20% new boats are expected for this premiere.
Which professionals will be exhibiting?
The door has always been open to exhibitors from basins other than Crouesty. In previous editions, we've seen pros from all over the Atlantic coast, from Brest to La Rochelle. The Mille Sabords will be an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their range, as they will not be able to benefit from the showcase at the Nautic in Paris, which has been cancelled this year.
How will this new edition unfold?
As every year, the show will be open on All Saints' Day weekend, from October 26 to 29, 2023. And it's always free!
This year, we're further developing our Pole Pêche with equipment and service stands, but also with a fishing competition: the Mille Sabords Fishing organized in partnership with the YCCA, Yacht Club du Crouesty et d'Arzon. The challenge is open to all, provided you have a boat. It will take place on Saturday, October 28 in No Kill mode, with jury boats on the water. We're expecting around twenty fishing boats.
At the same time, a "Glisse et Innovation" (Gliding and Innovation) center will be presenting new gliding supports, foils, wings and electric propulsion solutions, both on land and afloat for demonstrations.
