Grand Pavois La Rochelle was a positive event for many sectors, reaffirming interest in boating and water sports, say organisers.
Although visitor numbers were down at 59,000, organisers say the quality of interactions and the high value of the exchanges were the hallmarks of the 2025 edition, providing exhibitors with high-potential contacts and significant business opportunities
“While overall attendance saw a slight decrease compared to previous years, the event confirmed its ability to attract a qualified and motivated audience,” said Alain Pochon, president of Grand Pavois Organisation.
“This trend was especially evident in the success of several niche shipyards.
There were indeed orders and purchases, which is a very encouraging sign for the industry.
Alain Pochon
“Specialising in highly specific segments — from fully customised cruising sailboats, performance cruisers and long-distance yachts to innovative eco-friendly units, RIBs and leisure fishing boats, and boats for specific uses, these players manage to capture attention and secure significant business deals.”
And he pointed out that beyond attendance figures, the show demonstrated its value as a targeted networking platform, with many visitors ready to move quickly on purchases, with the summer’s favourable weather boosting the desire to sail as early as next spring.
“This edition also confirmed the growing importance of innovation and differentiation as levers of competitiveness in the boating industry,” continued Alain.
Promising perspectives
“In short, despite lower attendance, the vitality of several shipyards illustrates the sector’s dynamism and opens promising perspectives for the coming editions.
“There were indeed orders and purchases, which is a very encouraging sign for the industry. Many professionals also expressed their satisfaction, particularly in the equipment sector, where some exceeded their objectives.”
The show saw 600 international brands from 53 different countries and 500 boats on display including 250 afloat, and several French, European, and world premieres.
The show also welcomed Government and industry leaders in addition to a Chinese delegation that stayed for several days and with whom Grand Pavois Organisation is developing several projects.
Projects and innovations
The involvement of these personalities embodies recognition and legitimacy for the event, said organisers, with visitors seeing the added value of an event that mobilises influential stakeholders, and exhibitors benefitting from a platform that enhances their projects and innovations.
The edition also featured a roundtable on Sustainable Maritime Industry, focusing on bio-based materials and electric propulsion, as well as the new edition of the Nautical Innovation Awards.
Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 will take place from Tuesday September 22 to Sunday September 27 at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle.
