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In addition to the hundreds of sailboats and motorboats on display, certain boats serve as true highlights for visitors. Whether they?ve crossed oceans, won races, or been given a new lease on life after extensive restoration, these vessels offer a fresh perspective on recreational boating and provide an opportunity to interact directly with their crews.
Cruise ships that tell the story of the open sea
Among the most eagerly awaited boats is Gallinago, a 9-meter Figaro 1 set to make a simple transatlantic crossing before embarking on a round-the-world voyage. Brothers Maxence and Victor Ansquer will be on hand upon their return from the voyage to share the experiences they?ve gained during more than two years at sea.
Another participating program, Uno Mondo, will showcase the Northabout, a sailboat specially adapted for polar voyages. Having already undertaken several expeditions to the Arctic, this vessel also hosts scientific missions and outreach activities for schoolchildren.
The Class40s are opening their cockpits to visitors
Offshore racing enthusiasts will have the chance to board two Class40 boats with very different racing profiles.
Matéo Le Calvic and Pierre Boulbin?s Class40 FPFP TP will offer visitors a glimpse into the minimalist layout of a 12-meter monohull designed for ocean crossings with a small crew. A few weeks before the start of the 2026 Route du Rhum, visitors will be able to take a close look at the living quarters and gain an understanding of the challenges of such a voyage.
Just a few meters away, Ian Lipinski?s Class40 Crédit Mutuel will be on display. This sailboat has just won the Globe40, the first round-the-world race with stopovers contested in this category. The boat exemplifies the evolution of the Class40s, which in just a few years have become the benchmark for ocean racing, both crewed and solo.
The Pen Duicks: A Testament to Eric Tabarly's Legacy
The Heritage & Craftsmanship Gallery will host a rare gathering featuring four Pen Duick boats on display at the same time.
Pen Duick, Pen Duick II, Pen Duick III, and Pen Duick V illustrate different stages in Eric Tabarly?s career and the evolution of French offshore racing. Their preservation is made possible by the Eric Tabarly Association, which ensures their maintenance and keeps them in seaworthy condition.
For maritime heritage enthusiasts, this exhibition is one of the show's main attractions.
Restorations that show a sailboat can have many lives
The Grand Pavois also highlights several restoration projects. The 21-meter-long schooner Magie Bleue is making a comeback after narrowly escaping destruction. Restored through an initiative by the Icape Planète Bleue Foundation, it is now used for educational, scientific, and environmental missions.
Recreational Boating as a Tool for Inclusion
The Gin Fizz Kate Kata rounds out this selection by showcasing another use for the sailboat. This Jeanneau monohull is dedicated to community service projects involving young people facing social or health challenges. Restored to seaworthiness by the Passe Coque association, it is used for therapeutic outings and initiatives that promote social integration through the sea.
