LE GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE: THE HISTORY OF AN INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Histoire du Grand Pavois La Rochelle salon nautique international

Where it all began

It was in 1973, in the midst of the oil crisis, that four pioneers from La Rochelle’s shipyards took the lead and formed the hard core of an independent professional association whose aim would be to coordinate and promote the interests of the water sports industry. They created the Grand Pavois association. Its ambition? To create an in-water show where it would be possible to boatyard managers, discover the boats in-water and, above all, make appointments to try out boats at sea.

They were Henri Amel, Roger Mallard, Michel Dufour and Fernand Hervé.

The founders

Henri Amel was a shipyard owner and an experienced yachtsman. His boats, named after the winds, were already experiencing a much-deserved success.

Roger Mallard, a ship builder, sold 750 models of the Écume de Mer in five years, more than half of which were for export.

Michel Dufour invented the counter-moulded hull, a process that he used in the construction of his famous Sylphe and Arpège.

Finally, Fernand Hervé, a well-known figure in La Rochelle, had mastered unit manufacturing, including moulds used for mass production by other shipyards.

A unique model in Europe and a worldwide reference

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle is distinguished by a governance model that is unique in Europe and rare in the world of trade shows. Organized by the Association Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO), it is run by yachting professionals, for professionals and yachtsmen. Thanks to its associative status, GPO maintains a privileged relationship with all players in the sector, from builders to equipment manufacturers, shipyards and distributors.

This positioning enables the Grand Pavois La Rochelle to respond precisely to the expectations of the French and international yachting markets. It showcases the expertise of the French, European and global shipbuilding industry, while highlighting the diversity and innovation of smaller shipyards. Many of them choose the Grand Pavois as their benchmark event to showcase their latest products and meet a passionate public.

A MUST-SEE EVENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL YACHTING WORLD

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle is now one of the top 5 international afloat boat shows. Located in the exceptional setting of the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, the show allows sailing, yachting and water sports enthusiasts to plunge into the heart of the maritime universe.
With its themed areas, sea trials and commitment to sustainable boating, the Grand Pavois is much more than a boat show: it’s a truly immersive experience for all ocean enthusiasts.

70% of visitors to the show are involved in nautical activities (pleasure boating, fishing, board sports)
44% are boat owners

KEY SHOW FIGURES

69,000 visitors, including boating enthusiasts, industry professionals and international buyers
800 exhibiting brands
150 journalists providing national and international media coverage
100,000 m² of afloat and onshore spaces, offering a complete immersion in the world of boating.
3 km of pontoons
700 boats, including 300 afloat
12 themed areas dedicated to the different worlds of boating: yachting, fishing, board sports, traditional boats, tourism, sustainable navigation, and many others
35 countries on average represented through their brands

Grand Pavois Organisation: a key player in the world of nautical events

Founded in 1998, Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO) offers its unique expertise to the nautical events industry in France and abroad. Drawing on its recognized know-how, GPO supports and organizes customized events, providing solutions tailored to the needs of industry professionals.

GPO designs and manages a wide range of events thanks to a permanent team with diversified skills (communications, marketing, sales, land and sea logistics, press relations, partnerships, etc.). Its missions cover the organization of boat shows in France and abroad, ocean races, stopovers and transatlantic rallies, BtoB and BtoC events and public relations operations.

Its Board of Directors, made up exclusively of industry professionals, guarantees an approach tailored to the realities of the market and the expectations of exhibitors, partners and visitors.

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