The programme
Dive into the Grand Pavois La Rochelle experience!
Between nautical discoveries, moments of escape and exclusive events, the show invites you to experience six intense days at the rhythm of the sea. Explore a rich and varied program: previews, at-sea demonstrations, themed workshops, exciting encounters and much more.
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, a thrill-seeker or simply curious, the Grand Pavois promises unique moments for everyone.
EVERY DAY
GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22–SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
- “Sortez en mer” Area: Boat trips available by registration—Pontoon 2.
- Activities in the hall of the guest of honor, Japan
- Featuring Event Boats and the Pen Duick boats – Grand Pavois La Rochelle & Heritage & Craftsmanship Area
- Activities, games, meet-and-greets, demonstrations… – Fishing Area & Grand Pavois Fishing
- Introductory sea trips with Handi Cap’Access – Pontoon 3
- Numerous SNSM activities – “A flot” and M14 stand
GRAND PAVOIS BEACH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24–SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
- Activities, test runs, and introductory sessions for windfoiling, paddleboarding, and Optimist sailing… – At sea and in the harbor
- Films, lectures, meet-and-greets, and panel discussions… – The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
- Grand Pavois Beach Club open until 9:00 PM (food, drinks…)
Tuesday, September 22
All day: “Touline” workshops & book signing for *Le sauvetage en mer à l’embouchure de la Gironde* by Didier Ellie, an SNSM Royan volunteer, and “bracelet” knot-tying workshops
SNSM M14 stand
All day: Eco-Mariner Charter & DIY workshop on reusing rope scraps
Biotop & Echo-Mer Booth – Stand A03
10:00 a.m.: Show opening
11:00 a.m. / 11:30 a.m.: Daruma ceramics workshop
Japan Hall
11:00 a.m. / 11:15 a.m.: “Voile & Vous” game—test your sailing knowledge
Start Boating Area, Booth M06
12:00 PM / 1:00 PM: Kokeshi Japanese Doll Workshop
Japan Hall
2:00 PM / 2:30 PM: Gyotaku Demonstration—the Japanese art of creating fish prints
Japan Hall
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Sailing & You: Sailing Toward Yourself—Feeling at Home on a Boat, Even as a Beginner
Start Boating Area, Booth M06
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Daruma Ceramics Workshop
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 3:30 PM: Lecture on the City of Toba (Ama Divers)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Theater (rehearsals)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Sailing Toward Yourself: Become the Confident Captain of Your Own Happiness
Start Boating Area, Booth M06
6:00 PM: Pontoons open for sea trials
7:00 PM: Show closes
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
All day:
- Children’s activities & book signing for “Mer des hommes” by Denis Chatin, president of SNSM Île de Ré
SNSM M14 Stand - Guide to waste sorting on board and at the dock & DIY workshop: reusing neoprene
Biotop Booth & Echo-Mer – A03
11:00 a.m. / 11:30 a.m.: Theater
Japan Hall
11:00 a.m. / 11:15 a.m.: Game: “Sailing & You”—test your sailing knowledge
Start boating Area, Booth M06
12:00 p.m. / 12:30 p.m.: Presentation on the city of Toba (Ama divers)
Japan Hall
12:30 PM / 2:00 PM: Manga Workshop
Japan Hall
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Printmaking Demonstration
Japan Hall
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: “Sailing & You”: Sail toward yourself—feel at home on a boat, even as a beginner
Start boating Area, Booth M06
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: Jujitsu Taiso (Japanese sport)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Sailing Toward Yourself: Become the Confident Captain of Your Own Happiness
Start boating Area, Booth M06
4:30 PM / 5:00 PM: Theater
Japan Hall
5:30 PM: Inauguration of the La Rochelle Urban Community booth
Stand H17
6:00 PM: Pontoons open for sea trials
7:00 PM: Show closes
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
All day:
- Safety Workshops (life jackets, life raft deployment)
SNSM La Rochelle – SNSM Stand M14 - Eco-Marin Charter & DIY Workshop: Reusing Oyster Bags
Biotop & Echo-Mer Booth A03
10:00 a.m.: Exhibition opens & Grand Pavois Beach opens
10:30 a.m.: Official opening of the 54th edition of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Waste collection by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: “Voile & Vous” game—test your sailing knowledge
Start boating area, Booth M06
11:00 AM / 12:00 PM: “Question for a Sailor,” Special Edition on Waste and the Circular Economy, hosted by Biotop and Echo-Mer
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
12:00 PM / 2:00 PM: Film “Swimming Beyond Limits”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
1:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Radio-Controlled Sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
12:30 PM / 1:00 PM: Taiko (Japanese drumming)
Japan Hall
1:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Okinawa (Japanese island) performance with the Sanshin Club (Japanese music)
Japan Hall
1:45 PM / 2:45 PM: Introduction to first aid with Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Lecture: “Mapping, Routing, and Navigation Aids: How to Use Them to Sail Better”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: Lecture: “Succeeding in Your Transatlantic Crossing with the Rallye des Iles du Soleil”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Voile & Vous, “Sailing Toward Yourself: Finding Your Place on a Boat, Even as a Beginner”
Start boating area, Booth M06
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Taiko (Japanese drum)
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: Ikebana (flower arrangement) demonstration
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Introduction to Lifesaving by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Presentation: “Refit: The Latest Trend”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Okinawa (Japanese island) Europe with Sanshin Club (Japanese music)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Sailing Toward Yourself: Become the Confident Captain of Your Own Happiness
Start boating area, Booth M06
4:30 PM / 5:00 PM: Theater
Japan Hall
4:30 PM: Concours d’Élégance to celebrate Rhéa Marine’s 30th anniversary
Rhéa Marine Booth – Pontoon 1
4:30 PM / 5:00 PM: Radio-controlled sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
5:00 PM / 6:00 PM: Voile Mag Presentation: Sailboat of the Year
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
5:00 PM / 5:30 PM: Taiko (Japanese drumming)
Japan Hall
5:00 PM / 6:00 PM: Screening of the Canal+ / Seasons documentary “L’île aux Épaves”
Fishing Area & Grand Pavois Fishing
6:00 PM: Grand Pavois Fishing 2026 Briefing
Fishing Area & Grand Pavois Fishing
6:00 PM: Pontoons open for sea trials
6:00 PM / 6:45 PM: Awards ceremony for the Trophées Innovations Nautisme Sud-Ouest, featuring Laurent Ballesta, patron
Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region Booth – Booth A29
7:00 PM: Show closes
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: After-work event at the Grand Pavois Beach Club
Grand Pavois Beach
7:30 PM: Lecture by Laurent Ballesta, organized by Sud-Ouest
Salle de L’Oratoire (La Rochelle)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
All day:
- Safety Workshops (life jackets, life rafts, distress beacons) with SNSM La Rochelle & Ouest Sécurité Marine
SNSM Stand M14 - Circular Economy Mural (quiz version) & DIY Workshop: Reusing Rope Ends
Biotop & Echo-Mer Stand A03
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: First round of the Grand Pavois Fishing competition
Off the coast of La Rochelle
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Shiatsu demonstration (Japanese massage)
Japan Hall
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Waste collection by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
10:15 AM – 1:00 PM: 6th EDF Roundtable in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: “Sustainable Maritime” on sustainable innovations in the boating industry (by invitation only)
Le Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Tea Ceremony Workshop
Japan Hall
11:00 AM / 11:15 AM: “Voile & Vous” Game—Test Your Sailing Knowledge
Start boating Area, Stand M06
12:00 PM / 12:30 PM: Daruma Ceramics Workshop
Japan Hall
1:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Radio-Controlled Sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
1:00 PM / 2:00 PM: Shiatsu Demonstration (Japanese massage)
Japan Hall
1:30 PM: Return of the Grand Pavois Fishing fleet
Grand Pavois Fishing Marina
1:45 PM / 2:45 PM: Introduction to First Aid with Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Conference: “Take the Plunge: How to Get Started?”
Le Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Kokeshi Japanese Doll Workshop
Japan Hall
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: “Sailing & You”: Discovering Yourself Through Sailing—Feeling at Home on a Boat, Even as a Beginner
Start Boating Area—Booth M06
3:00 PM / 3:30 PM: Daruma Ceramics Workshop
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: Panel Discussion: “Long-Distance Cruising: Monohull or Multihull?”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
3:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Introduction to Lifesaving by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
3:30 PM: Signing of the Mini Transat 2027 agreement between the Legallais company and representatives from CDA/City of La Rochelle, Las Palmas (Canary Islands), and Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)
CDA La Rochelle Booth – Stand H17
4:00 PM / 5:30 PM: Shiatsu (Japanese massage)
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Sailing Toward Yourself: Become the Confident Captain of Your Own Happiness
Start Boating Area—Booth M06
4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Conference: “Cruising Races: Class Rules, Hull Shape, Sails… How to Win?”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
4:30 PM: Concours d’Elegance celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Rhéa Marine shipyard
Pontoon 1
5:00 PM / 5:30 PM: Radio-controlled sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
5:00 PM / 7:00 PM: Presentation “Gallinago: A Two-Year Round-the-World Voyage in a Figaro 1”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
5:00 PM / 6:15 PM: Activity: “Raising Awareness About Environmental Protection” by the Embarquement pour l’environnement association
Grand Pavois Beach
6:00 PM: Pontoons open for sea trials
7:00 PM: Show closes
7:00 PM / 9:00 PM: After-work event at the Grand Pavois Beach Club
Grand Pavois Beach
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
All day:
- “Swim with the Lifeguards,” first aid training, and rescue drills with the CFI and the SNSM of La Rochelle
Grand Pavois Beach - SNSM La Rochelle Safety Workshops
SNSM M14 Stand - Zero-waste items for a day at sea, hosted by Zero Waste La Rochelle & DIY Workshop: Reusing Neoprene
Biotop & Echo-Mer Booth A03
10:00 a.m.: Exhibition opens
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Optimist sailing introduction by La Rochelle Nautique
Grand Pavois Beach
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Waste collection by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Daruma ceramics workshop
Japan Hall
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Activity: “Raising Awareness About Environmental Conservation”
Grand Pavois Beach
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: “Sailing & You” Game—Test Your Sailing Knowledge
Start Boating Area—Stand M06
11:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m.: “Question for a Sailor,” Special Edition on Waste & the Circular Economy, hosted by Biotop & Echo-Mer
Grand Pavois Beach
11:15 a.m. / 12:15 p.m.: Ikebana Demonstration (Japanese floral art)
Japan Hall
12:00 PM / 2:00 PM: Film “On the Road Again”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
12:15 PM / 2:00 PM: Tea Ceremony
Japan Hall
1:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Radio-Controlled Sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
1:45 PM / 2:45 PM: Introduction to first aid with Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
2:00 PM / 2:30 PM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Conference: “Proper Boat Maintenance: Tips and Best Practices”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
2:30 PM / 3:30 PM: Aikido (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026, one month before the start, featuring skippers and a presentation of the Atlantic Challenge by GPO
Grand Pavois Beach
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Sailing & You, Sailing Toward Yourself, Feeling at Home on a Boat—Even as a Beginner
Start Boating Area—Stand M06
3:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Introduction to Lifesaving by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
3:30 PM / 4:30 PM: Gold Leaf Workshop with Sanshin Music, Family Activity
Japan Hall
4:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Sailing Toward Yourself – Become the Confident Captain of Your Own Happiness
Start Boating Area—Stand M06
4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Lecture “Energy on Board: Generating and Storing Energy Efficiently with Pochon SA”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
4:30 PM / 5:30 PM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
5:00 PM / 7:00 PM: Film “Tabarly: A Man, Some Boats”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
5:00 PM / 5:30 PM: Radio-controlled sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
5:30 PM: Sake Tasting
Japan Hall
6:00 PM: Pontoons open for sea trials
7:00 PM: Show closes
7:00 PM / 9:00 PM: After-work event at the Grand Pavois Beach Club
Grand Pavois Beach
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
All day:
- First Aid & Line-Throwing Workshops, SNSM Ile d’Aix & La Cotinière
SNSM – Stand M14 - Guide to Waste Sorting on Board and at the Dock & DIY Workshop: Reusing Oyster Bags
Biotop & Echo-Mer – Stand A03
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Round 2 of the Grand Pavois Fishing competition
Off the coast of La Rochelle
10:00 AM: Exhibition opens
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Daruma ceramics workshop
Japan Hall
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Mass
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Optimist sailing introduction by La Rochelle Nautique
Grand Pavois Beach
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Waste collection by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Mass
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Gold Leaf Workshop, Family Activity
Japan Hall
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: “Sailing & You” Game—Test Your Sailing Knowledge
Start Boating Area – Booth M06
12:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Calligraphy Workshop with Sanshin music starting at 1:00 PM
Japan Hall
12:00 PM / 1:00 PM: “Question for a Sailor,” Circular Economy Special, hosted by Biotop & Echo-Mer
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
1:00 PM / 1:30 PM: Radio-controlled sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
1:30 PM: Return of the Grand Pavois Fishing fleet
Grand Pavois Fishing Marina
1:45 PM / 2:45 PM: Introduction to first aid with Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
2:00 PM / 2:30 PM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
2:00 PM / 3:00 PM: Lecture: “Sea Fishing for Everyone: Expert Advice”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Sake Tasting
Japan Hall
2:30 PM / 3:00 PM: Sailing & You: Discover Yourself Through Sailing—Feel at Home on a Boat, Even as a Beginner
Start Boating Area—Stand M06
3:00 PM / 4:30 PM: Kintsugi Workshop (Japanese method for repairing broken porcelain and ceramics) with Sanshin music
Japan Hall
3:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Introduction to Lifesaving by Junior Lifeguard
Grand Pavois Beach
3:00 PM / 4:00 PM: The Grand Finale of “Questions for a Sailor”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
3:30 PM: Grand Pavois Fishing 2026 Awards Ceremony with all competitors in attendance
Fishing Area & Grand Pavois Fishing
4:00 PM / 5:00 PM: Lecture: “Learn to Sail: Take the Plunge”
The Spot – Grand Pavois Beach
4:30 PM / 5:00 PM: Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Japan Hall
5:00 PM / 5:30 PM: Radio-Controlled Sailing with Skip and Sea
The Pool – Grand Pavois Beach
5:30 PM: Closing Ceremony – Kimono (traditional Japanese garment) & Shinoblue (Japanese transverse flute)
Japan Hall
6:00 PM: Closing of the 54th edition of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle
The Official Catalogue, an essential guide to your visit!
Don’t want to miss a thing at Grand Pavois La Rochelle? The official catalog is your ally in exploring the show with ease. Here you’ll find a complete list of exhibitors, program highlights, detailed floor plans and all the practical information you need to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re planning your visit or keeping track of your discoveries, the catalog is the perfect tool for navigating your way around the event.
Download it now and enter the world of Grand Pavois La Rochelle!



