GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE 2026 REVIEW

GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE 2026 REVIEW: AN EDITION CONFIRMING THE APPEAL OF BOATING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTRACTING NEW AUDIENCES

With 600 international brands from 50 different countries, 500 boats on display – including 250
afloat – numerous highlights and new areas designed to make boating easier to discover and access,
Grand Pavois La Rochelle once again confirms its position as a business-focused event, a showcase
for new products, a meeting place for tomorrow’s boating trends, and a leading reference for the
French and European boating industry.
The international in-water boat show closed its 2026 edition with 59,000 visitors.

Alain Pochon, President of Grand Pavois Organization:

“We are particularly pleased with this 2026 edition, which closed with 59,000 visitors. Attendance
was identical to 2025, although visitor flows varied from one day to another and across different
visitor categories.

Above all, we have seen a genuine rejuvenation of our audience, with more younger generations
attending, which was clearly one of our objectives. We know how important it is to attract new
boaters and first-time buyers for the entire boating industry, and we can say that our new “Start
boating” and “Boat Trip Experience” areas were a great success.
Grand Pavois La Rochelle also confirmed its ability to attract a highly qualified and motivated
audience. The show reflects our industry: dynamic and capable of meeting a wide range of
expectations.

The strong interest this year in small motorboats is particularly significant. Access to boating and
boat ownership remains a key issue when it comes to renewing the boating community.

This segment offers a wide range of versatile, accessible boats suited to different uses: day trips, family
leisure, fishing, water sports or simply discovering the pleasure of boating.

We also saw genuine interest and strong purchasing momentum in this category, which represents
the vast majority of boat registrations across France and Europe. This is an encouraging sign for our
industry and is helping to generate renewed momentum.
The same applies to 10- to 12-metre racer-cruiser sailing yachts, which remain an important
segment. I would also like to highlight the presence of two multihull pontoons, as well as the high-
quality range of boats designed for long-distance cruising. In this particular area, I believe we are the
in-water show offering the finest selection.
In conclusion, despite a challenging economic environment and the prospect of the upcoming
presidential election in France, which always tends to create a certain degree of wait-and-see
attitude, we recorded sales and a significant level of business across many sectors.
This 54th edition has showcased a dynamic and entrepreneurial boating industry that is determined
to continue opening its doors to new audiences.”

Two new areas designed to open boating up to new audiences

The 2026 edition marked a new milestone with the creation of two themed areas: “Boat Trip
Experience” and “Start Boating.”
Designed to make boating easier to discover and to meet the expectations of people who are not yet
boaters or boat owners, these new areas aimed to inspire visitors to get out on the water and
support first-time buyers with their projects.
Advice, opportunities to discover different boating activities, sea trips, discussions with professionals
and presentations of the various ways of accessing the sea: the objective was clear – to demonstrate
that boating can be accessible, diverse and suited to a wide range of profiles.
This approach forms part of Grand Pavois La Rochelle’s broader commitment to introducing boating
to new audiences while retaining existing boaters.
Both new areas proved to be a successful addition to the event.”

Key highlights

“The presence of iconic boats, including the four Pen Duick yachts owned by the famous French
sailor Eric Tabarly, as well as a number of high-profile personalities, was also a major strategic asset
for Grand Pavois La Rochelle.
Their participation brings visibility, credibility and attractiveness to the event. Famous sailors, opinion
leaders, institutional representatives and industry ambassadors all contribute to strengthening the
show’s image and extending its media reach.
We also welcomed numerous champions, skippers and adventurers throughout the event.
An important Chinese delegation from Qinhuangdao also attended the show for several days. The
Grand Pavois Organization team is currently working on several projects with them.
It is also worth highlighting the sixth edition of the round table organized by EDF, the French energy
company, on “Sustainable Maritime Activities,” which was once again a great success, as well as the
seventh edition of the Nautical Innovation Awards. This year’s edition was held under the patronage

of Laurent Ballesta, renowned French photographer, diver and naturalist biologist, known for his
work on marine ecosystems and underwater biodiversity.
These two events demonstrate the importance of Grand Pavois La Rochelle as a key meeting place
for the boating industry of today and tomorrow.”

Committed and long-standing partners

Grand Pavois Organisation and its Board of Directors would also like to thank all our public partners,
including the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the City of La Rochelle and the Port of La Rochelle.
Having these public partners by our side is extremely important to us. Their continued support plays
a key role in enabling Grand Pavois La Rochelle to pursue its mission and support the development
and visibility of the boating industry.
As an association-based organization since its creation, Grand Pavois La Rochelle remains closely
connected to the needs and expectations of the boating industry and its professionals. This
commitment is at the heart of our approach and guides the continued development of the event.
G. Pavois Organisation would also like to thank all its private partners for their continued support
and commitment.

Grand Pavois 2027

Grand Pavois La Rochelle will return from Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26 September 2027 at Port des
Minimes in La Rochelle, with preparations for the next edition already underway.

Yachting Pleasure is the media partner of GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE.