59,000 Visitors and a Qualified Audience

The 2025 edition of Grand Pavois La Rochelle welcomed 59,000 visitors over six days. Although overall attendance slightly decreased, the international in-water boat show confirmed its attractiveness by drawing a qualified, motivated audience with concrete projects.

This high-quality visitor base resulted in decisive business exchanges and short-term orders, highlighting the growing interest in boating and sailing.

A Business and Innovation Hub

With the participation of 600 international brands from 53 countries, the exhibition of 500 boats, including 250 in-water, and the unveiling of new models as world, European, and French premieres, the Grand Pavois asserts itself more than ever as:

• An essential business platform for shipyards and equipment manufacturers.
• A launching venue for 2026 innovations.
• A showcase for tomorrow’s nautical trends.

« The 2025 edition is satisfying, despite a very particular context. While overall attendance saw a slight decrease compared to previous years, the event confirmed its ability to attract a qualified and motivated audience. This trend was especially evident in the success of several niche shipyards. Specializing in highly specific segments—from fully customized 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. Beyond attendance figures, the show demonstrated its real value as a targeted networking platform, offering exhibitors the chance to meet visitors with concrete projects, many of whom appeared ready to move quickly on purchases. The summer’s favorable weather also logically boosted 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. 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. This confirms that The Grand Pavois show is a key date for our profession. Grand Pavois La Rochelle, the last major in-water boat show in France this year, clearly remains a must-attend event – accessible to all shipyards and boating professionals with an unbeatable cost-to-benefit ratio. It has always been our strong commitment to ensure that every professional in the boating industry has the opportunity to be here as an exhibitor.”
Alain Pochon (President of Grand Pavois Organisation)

Key highlights and personalities

“The presence of prominent figures at this year’s Grand Pavois La Rochelle was also a major strategic asset, adding visibility, credibility, and attractiveness. Public figures, opinion leaders, institutional representatives, and industry ambassadors all helped strengthen the event’s image and expand its media reach. We are honored to welcome personalities as the member of the ministry of Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Ministery, the President of the French Nautical Industries Federation, President of the French Sailing Federation, the President of the Guadeloupe Region, various champions and adventurers and a major Chinese delegation that stayed for several days and with whom Grand Pavois Organisation is developing several projects. Beyond media impact, the involvement of these personalities embodies recognition and legitimacy for the event. Visitors see the added value of an event that mobilizes influential stakeholders, while exhibitors benefit from a platform that enhances their projects and innovations. This edition also featured a roundtable on “Sustainable Maritime Industry,” focusing on bio-based materials and electric propulsion -a real success – as well as the new edition of the Nautical Innovation Awards. Two highlights that once again confirm Grand Pavois La Rochelle as a benchmark event for today’s and tomorrow’s boating.”
Alain Pochon (President of Grand Pavois Organisation)

A Show Supported by Loyal Partners

“Grand Pavois Organisation and its Board of Directors would also like to thank all the public partners the Nouvelle- Aquitaine Region, the Charente-Maritime department, and the town and Metropolitan Authority of La Rochelle, as well as the Marina of La Rochelle. Their support is crucial, and it is important to remember that Grand Pavois La Rochelle is also a key economic player for these territories. Our success highlights local industries, creates jobs, and generates concrete, direct benefits for many professionals. Since its creation, Grand Pavois La Rochelle has been an association, and we remain committed to aligning with the market’s and industry professionals’ expectations. We also extend our gratitude to all our private partners.”
Alain Pochon (President of Grand Pavois Organisation)

Save the Date: 2026 Edition

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 will take place from Tuesday, September 22 to Sunday, September 27 at the Port des Minimes. A new edition already eagerly awaited by enthusiasts, professionals, and all key players in the boating industry.