Le Grand Pavois
The international boat show of La Rochelle
Our sailing training
Le Grand Pavois
A major nautical celebration on the Atlantic coast, the Grand Pavois brings together each year players from the maritime world coming from all over the globe. One week to discover, dream, exchange, sail and do business, with your head in the clouds and your feet in the water.
Nautical safety demonstration at the Grand Pavois 2017 - Infornav
Launched in 1973 by nautical professionals, the Grand Pavois appeals both to stakeholders in this dynamic sector and to the curious, to sailing enthusiasts, including those attracted by the diversity of products and services on offer in sailing in La Rochelle.
Here, there is no need to “know your stuff” to enjoy yourself. From the very first steps, the layperson is immersed in a maritime melting pot where all horizons seem to meet. In this universe of enthusiasts, the visitor sails from one discovery to another among the 800 stands spread over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space.
All the boats of the world
So what can you find at the Grand Pavois? About one third sailboats and two thirds motorboats, all divided almost equally between onshore and afloat exhibition areas (spread over 3 kilometers of pontoons). The great advantage of the La Rochelle boat show lies of course in the possibility of trying out the boats. In just a few hours, it is thus possible to form a precise idea of the seagoing qualities of the boat you are considering buying.
In terms of size, boats under 7.5 meters are the most numerous, with 52% of the units presented, followed by those from 7.5 to 10 meters and those from 10 to 15 meters (23% and 22%). Yachts over 15 meters represent only 3% of the Grand Pavois fleet.
Not forgetting windsurfers, kitesurf boards, surfboards and other kinds of boards that always generate excitement among younger visitors. Children can discover different craft in several areas dedicated to board sports, whether in pools or along the shoreline on the adjacent Minimes beach.
Dinghy sailing is also well represented, with new models of dinghies and catamarans every year. In short, everything that floats is likely to be seen at the Grand Pavois, contributing to the success of the concept with an average of 80,000 visitors each year.
A strong local market
Sail or power, locally built boats occupy a privileged place at the Grand Pavois show. No surprise for a region that has given rise to many world-renowned shipyards, whether for monohulls or multihulls.
In the Charente-Maritime department alone, it is estimated that around 300 companies are linked to the nautical industry, with an average annual production of 1,500 units. A key sector of the local economy, generating approximately 500 million euros in turnover and providing 3,500 direct and indirect jobs.
The Grand Pavois therefore represents a remarkable showcase for boats designed and built in the region, exported like hot cakes all over the world. For boaters as well as professionals, the Grand Pavois thus remains a real business opportunity. The 2017 edition did not disappoint exhibitors, most of whom largely achieved their commercial objectives.
According to the La Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 20 million euros in direct spending benefiting the local economy were generated during the 2016 edition of the La Rochelle boat show. A positive balance for the health of the sector and for the organizers, who confirm the Grand Pavois as one of the top five afloat boat shows in the world.
A sailboat, how much does it cost?
Some average minimum budget estimates to plan for the purchase of new cruising sailboats, excluding options:
24-foot sailboat: 28,000 euros
38-foot sailboat: 150,000 euros
40-foot sailboat: 180,000 euros
45-foot sailboat: 250,000 euros
50-foot sailboat: 300,000 euros
40-foot catamaran: 330,000 euros
44-foot catamaran: 465,000 euros
NEW PRODUCTS 2017
The flying catamaran
Flying above the water from 6 knots of wind or 2 Beaufort... That is the promise of the CEC (Catamaran Europe Central) shipyard located in Grunwald, Germany, thanks to a system of four automatic “Flysafe” foils developed by engineer Gilbert Saint Blancat (designer of the first racing catamaran equipped with a wing mast), based on the iMoth class.
This 15-foot catamaran accommodates one or two people on board for estimated speeds of up to 30 knots... Carbon sandwich construction, epoxy resin. Starting from €22,670 excluding taxes.
The magic winch handle
The ewincher electric winch handle allows trimming or hoisting without fatigue. While the concept already existed with the Winchrite from SVB, the real innovation lies in combining electric and manual rotation efforts to gain speed. A way to make life easier for older sailors, at a price of €2,990 (compared to €699.95 for the Winchrite). It’s up to you to compare...
www.ewincher.com
A kite in case of dismasting
Designed by sailor Yves Parlier, this “self-stable” kite wing allows continued navigation in the event of dismasting or other propulsion failure. The device is easily handled by a single person, without any specific kitesurfing skills. Gadget or safety asset? You decide. Starting from €1,740.
www.libertykite.com
The first motor yacht from the Structures shipyard
The shipyard behind the famous Pogo racing sailboats makes a striking entry into the motorboat world thanks to its ultra-light construction expertise. Its first 9.50 m motor yacht, the Loxo 32, consumes only 0.5 liters of gasoline per nautical mile at a speed of 12 knots... Enough to outperform a large part of the competition.
Conclusion
As you will have understood, the Grand Pavois is not just a great opportunity to discover the nautical world or to do business.
It is also the chance to evaluate, plan, finance and insure a purchase, a travel project or a training program in just a few days thanks to privileged access to all industry representatives.
For children, it is an opportunity to discover water sports. In the end, everyone will find something of interest. After that, all that remains is to set sail.