Every year, the Event Boats hold a special place at the show. These exceptional boats are selected for their history, the human adventures they embody, the innovations they represent, and the causes they champion.

Aboard these remarkable vessels, visitors can explore unique journeys, chat with passionate sailors, and get up close to the boats that have shaped—or will shape—the history of recreational boating and offshore racing.

For the 2026 edition of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, the “Event Boats” will once again be among the show’s must-see highlights.

Around-the-world adventures, offshore racing, maritime heritage, ecological innovation, or social responsibility: each event boat tells a different story, but they all share the same ambition—to inspire, to educate, and to make people want to set sail.

The Event Boats of the 2026 Grand Pavois La Rochelle

Gallinago: An Event Boat at the Heart of a Round-the-World Voyage in a Figaro 1

Gallinago: A Round-the-World Voyage in a Figaro 1—An Exceptional Human Adventure

Among the Event Boats at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, Gallinago tells the story of an extraordinary adventure.

Maxence and Victor had initially planned a simple Atlantic crossing aboard a Figaro 1, a former 9-meter racing sailboat. But their project turned into a full-fledged round-the-world voyage, which has now lasted more than two years.

Currently off the coast of Brazil, the two sailors are heading back toward France after completing their round-the-world voyage aboard their monohull, Gallinago. This extraordinary journey took them to the Falkland Islands, where they crossed paths with Jérôme Poncet and shared part of their daily life with this great sailor.

Visitors will have the chance to hear their story firsthand during a special event at the Spot du Grand Pavois Beach, featuring a screening of a film chronicling their adventure.

• Location: Ponton 2

More information: https://www.instagram.com/figarogallinago/

Class40 FPFP-TP: Step into the World of Offshore Racing

A Feature Boat to Discover Life Aboard a Racing Monohull

What’s it like to live aboard an offshore racing boat? How do you sleep, eat, and sail during an Atlantic crossing?

The Class40 FPFP-TP No. 185, skippered by Matéo Le Calvic and Pierre Boulbin, will give visitors to the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 a chance to discover the fascinating world of offshore racing.

This new-generation 12-meter monohull will soon compete in the legendary Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.

A rare opportunity to climb aboard, explore the interior of a Class40, and gain insight into the daily lives of sailors competing in major ocean races.

A truly immersive experience for all sailing enthusiasts and for those who dream of offshore crossings.

Location: Ponton 2 – “Sortez en Mer” Area

Crédit Mutuel: A Class40 Winner of the Category’s First Round-the-World Race

A Standout Boat at the Heart of a Historic Achievement

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 will welcome the Class40 Crédit Mutuel and its skipper Ian Lipinski, a duo that has just written a new chapter in the history of offshore racing.

By winning the first edition of the Globe40—the first round-the-world race with stopovers reserved for Class40s—Ian Lipinski and his boat prevailed against a top-tier international fleet.

The Class40 Crédit Mutuel rounded the three legendary capes:

• the Cape of Good Hope,
• Cape Leeuwin,
• and Cape Horn.

An exceptional adventure aboard a 12-meter monohull, crewed around the world.

And the story continues: Ian Lipinski will also compete in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe starting on November 1.

Location: Ponton 2

More information: https://www.skippercreditmutuel.fr/le-class40-credit-mutuel/

Éric Tabarly’s Pen Duicks: Four Legendary Yachts Gathered at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle

An Exceptional Maritime Heritage at the Heart of the Heritage & Craftsmanship Pavilion

Some boats span generations. The Pen Duicks are among those sailboats that have become true symbols of French maritime history.

For the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, four Pen Duicks will be reunited thanks to the support and collaboration of the Éric Tabarly Association:

• Pen Duick,
• Pen Duick II,
• Pen Duick III,
• Pen Duick V.

On display throughout the duration of the show within theHeritage & Craftsmanship Area, these iconic sailboats will allow visitors to discover the exceptional legacy left by Éric Tabarly.

The Éric Tabarly Association works daily to preserve these boats, keep them seaworthy, and continue to pass on maritime culture to new generations.

Location: Ponton 7 – Heritage & Craftsmanship Area

More information: https://www.asso-eric-tabarly.org/

Magie Bleue: The Rebirth of a Schooner Committed to the Oceans

A Featured Vessel Blending Maritime Heritage and Environmental Protection

Having appeared at the previous edition, Magie Bleue returns to the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 with a particularly compelling story.

This 21-meter schooner, built in 1985 under the name Magie Noire, made nine transatlantic crossings before being abandoned in a field, threatened with destruction.

In 2021, a final call for help changed its fate: the Icape Planète Bleue Foundation decided to take over the boat as part of an effort to preserve maritime heritage and protect the oceans.

Renamed Magie Bleue, the schooner is now on a new mission: to support educational, scientific, environmental, and community-based initiatives centered on the marine world.

A magnificent example of rebirth and legacy.

Location: Pier 2

More information: https://fondationicapeplanetebleue.org/

Uno Mondo: An expedition vessel at the crossroads of science, adventure, and ecological transition

Setting sail for the ice on a committed maritime project

Among the Featured Vessels at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, Uno Mondo embodies a new way of experiencing maritime adventure: exploring, sharing knowledge, and raising awareness about protecting our planet.

This monohull, named Northabout, was specially built and adapted to sail in polar regions and withstand the extreme conditions of ice-covered areas.

Its achievements include: 3 Arctic expeditions, 19 scientific collaborations, 79 volunteers welcomed on board, and 17,330 students educated about the challenges of the ecological transition.

Through this project, its skipper Tobias Carter conveys a powerful message: the ecological transition is not a step backward to be endured, but an opportunity to take action and become aware of the role each of us can play in preserving the environment.

We must act—quickly, but above all, effectively. This is the very mission of Uno Mondo, which aims to share its experience and message with as many people as possible.

During the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, visitors will be able to discover on board comic strips created during an expedition to the Far North, blending adventure, science, and environmental awareness.

After the boat show, Uno Mondo will continue its commitment with Les Voiles de la Science, taking its boat to meet children along the Charente River.

An inspiring maritime adventure at the intersection of exploration, scientific knowledge, and ocean conservation.

Location: Ponton 2

More information: https://www.unumondo.org/

Voile Magazine’s Super Arlequin: the rebirth of a legendary sailboat from the 1970s

A magnificent example of the restoration and preservation of nautical heritage

Some boats embody an era, a passion, and a shared history. The Super Arlequin from Voile Magazine is one of those sailboats that left its mark on a generation.

In 2022, Voile Magazine fell under the spell of this 1970s icon, which was just waiting to return to the sea.

In partnership with the Passe-Coque association and the Voile Magazine Club, this sailboat has been given a new lease on life thanks to a remarkable refit project.

Following its restoration, the Super Arlequin has returned to the water, participates in sailing gatherings, and is once again competing in regattas along the Atlantic coast.

This rebirth perfectly illustrates the commitment to preserving and promoting maritime heritage: giving boats a second life, preserving their history, and ensuring they are passed on to new generations of enthusiasts.

A wonderful human and maritime adventure to discover at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026.

Where to find it: Ponton 2

Kate Kata: A Solidarity Sailboat Promoting Inclusion and Sharing

When sailing becomes a means of connection and rebuilding

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle also highlights projects where the sea serves as a powerful vehicle for inclusion, solidarity, and sharing.

The Gin Fizz Kate Kata, a Jeanneau monohull built between 1975 and 1981, will be honored for its commitment to charitable projects.

Owned by Patrick Benoiton, a journalist, writer, and sailor, this sailboat is being given a new lease on life thanks to the Passe-Coque association.

This organization works to facilitate the transfer and use of abandoned sailboats or those at risk of being scrapped, so they can then be put to use in meaningful projects.

Through the Kate Kata, sailing becomes a way to support people—especially young people—facing various challenges: social isolation, illness, emotional distress, or complex personal situations.

The sailing trips offered allow participants to discover a new environment, regain confidence, build connections, and experience a different way of discovering themselves.

This project serves as a reminder that the sea is also a wonderful space for openness, learning, and inclusion.

More information: https://passe-coque.com/