Electric or hybrid boats, sail propulsion, retrofitting, refitting, eco-friendly antifouling, reconditioning, eco-design… From September 22 to 27, 2026, the Grand Pavois La Rochelle will showcase innovation in the boating industry and the environmental transition.

With its “Eco-Navigation & Sustainable Innovations with EDF” area, this year’s Grand Pavois La Rochelle brings together nearly 40 companies, startups, and stakeholders committed to transforming the boating industry. Both on land and at sea, visitors will discover practical solutions for sailing differently, extending the lifespan of boats, and reducing their environmental impact.

A space dedicated to nautical innovation and sustainable boating

Right at the entrance to the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, visitors will find an area entirely dedicated to eco-navigation and sustainable innovations.

Spread between an onshore exhibition and an in-water display, this area will showcase a wide variety of solutions developed to support the boating industry’s transition:

• electric and hybrid propulsion systems;
• electric outboard motors;
• conversion of internal combustion engines to electric or hybrid;
• electric and solar-powered boats;
• sail propulsion;
• eco-friendly antifouling solutions;
• eco-designed equipment;
• refurbishment and second life for boats;
• refit of recreational boats;
• deconstruction and recycling of boats;
• energy solutions and innovations for boating.

Some of the innovations on display afloat will also be available for sea trials, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the new technologies now entering the boating market.

Refit: A New Life for Recreational Boats

Among the major trends highlighted this year, the refit of recreational boats is gaining prominence.

Given the cost of new boats, advancing technologies, and a growing desire to consume differently, renovation and refurbishment are emerging as solutions to extend the lifespan of boats rather than replace them.

The boating industry, in fact, has a vast fleet of existing boats. Some require refurbishment, modernization of their equipment, or even a conversion of their engine systems—without necessarily being destined for scrapping.

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle will thus serve as a prime showcase for this trend, featuring several companies specializing in refits, reconditioning, and giving boats a second life.

Among them, Reboat, Flotte SAS, Yuniboat, and the Passe-Coque association will present their expertise and solutions, both on land and at sea.

Start-ups Focused on Sustainable Innovation in the Spotlight with EDF

Since 2019, the partnership between Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle and EDF has highlighted companies that are developing the nautical solutions of tomorrow.

At the heart of the Eco-navigation & Sustainable Innovations area, the “Sustainable Innovations with EDF” tent will be dedicated to innovative start-ups in the nautical sector.

This is an opportunity for visitors to discover projects that are rethinking propulsion, energy, uses, and boat design.

Innovations to discover during the six days of the show

Beyond the Sea will present its sail propulsion solutions and traction wings designed for ships.

Weenav will showcase its electric outboard motors and retrofit solutions that convert internal combustion engines into hybrid or electric powertrains.

Eco Nautik will present conversion solutions and carbon-free alternatives for internal combustion engines and generators, particularly those based on hydrogen and eFuels.

Coopération Maritime will present a model and a film dedicated to electric shellfish farming.

Sea Loop Marine will exhibit its electro-solar catamaran designed for marine tourism and capable of accommodating up to 20 people. Its launch is scheduled for 2027.

Another remarkable project: the GR63, a 63-foot, 100% electric offshore catamaran designed by architect and builder Gilles Reigner. Powered by solar energy, wind, and methanol/water fuel cells, the boat underwent sea trials that were successfully validated in 2026.

The French Association for Electric Boats (AFBE) will also be present to contribute to discussions on the development of electric propulsion in the boating industry.

Nearly 40 exhibitors committed to the transition of the boating industry

The Eco-Navigation & Sustainable Innovations area, in partnership with EDF, will bring together a wide variety of industry stakeholders.

Among the companies and organizations present: 3D Refit, ADV-Propulse, AFBE, APER, Bateaux pour la Planète, Beyond the Sea, Biotop, Bluenav, DGAMPA, Echo-Mer, Ecoboats, Econautik, EDF, E-NAV Systems, Flotte SAS, GR63 Catamaran, Kaori Concept, K-Ren, Coopération Maritime, MG Energy, MV Yachting, Nouvelle-Aquitaine Mobilité Électrique, Pyreo, Reboat, Resoltech, Robert Bosch France, Sailiz, SAL3T, Sea Loop Marine, Temo, Transfluid, Weenav, Yamaha Motor Europe, and Yuniboat.

This diversity illustrates the many facets of the transition in the boating industry: propulsion, energy, materials, maintenance, refurbishment, uses, recycling, and deconstruction.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Water Sports Innovation Awards with Laurent Ballesta

Another highlight of the 2026 edition: the 7th edition of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Water Sports Innovation Awards, organized by the Sud Ouest Group, the Atlantic Cluster, and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. at the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region’s booth.

These awards recognize innovative projects related to water sports, whether they involve new products, services, or concepts that contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, limiting environmental and energy impacts, improving performance, comfort, or safety, or making water sports more accessible.

Following in the footsteps of Antoine Albeau in 2025, Laurent Ballesta will serve as the patron of this 7th edition.

A photographer, diver, and naturalist biologist, Laurent Ballesta is best known for his work on marine ecosystems and underwater biodiversity. His perspective on the evolution and preservation of the oceans resonates particularly well with the challenges of transition facing the maritime world.

Don’t miss it: Laurent Ballesta will also participate in a discussion in La Rochelle on Thursday, September 24, starting at 7:30 p.m., in the Salle de l’Oratoire.

A roundtable on sustainable maritime development with EDF

The challenges of the energy transition will also be at the heart of the Maritime Innovation Days, with a new edition of the “Sustainable Maritime” roundtable organized by EDF in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Join us on Friday, September 25, from 10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.—registration and invitation required.

Two major topics will be discussed:

Electric and Solar Propulsion

This first roundtable will bring together stakeholders involved in developing new propulsion and energy solutions for the boating industry, including Bénéteau / Fountaine-Pajot (E-Lektra Marine), AFBE, Millikan Boats, Seazen, and CLYD / Hy Naval.

New Sustainable Practices in Recreational Boating

The second roundtable will focus on evolving practices and new models that enable the vision of a more sustainable recreational boating industry, featuring the Charente-Maritime Department, Yuniboat, Sea Loop Marine, and Coopération Maritime.

Yves Parlier, president of Beyond the Sea, will also participate in the discussions.

This event will provide an opportunity to compare the experiences and visions of boatbuilders, manufacturers, innovative companies, public sector representatives, and boating professionals around a single question: how can we accelerate the transition of the maritime and boating sectors?

Sustainable innovation: Experience it firsthand at the Grand Pavois

The Eco-Navigation & Sustainable Innovations area, presented in partnership with EDF, demonstrates that the transition in the boating sector does not rely on a single technology or a single way of sailing.

It involves diversifying solutions, retrofitting existing boats, advancing propulsion systems, eco-design, developing new uses, and the emergence of new companies.

From electric boats to refits, from sail propulsion to refurbishment, the Grand Pavois La Rochelle offers visitors a concrete glimpse of the innovations helping to shape the boating industry of tomorrow.

For six days, come meet the companies, discover their innovations, climb aboard some of the boats, and talk with the people who are imagining new ways to sail.

Join us September 22–27, 2026, at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle for the Grand Pavois La Rochelle.