The Grand Pavois La Rochelle, via its organiser Grand Pavois Organisation, confirms that the 49th edition of the international in-water boat show will be held from Tuesday 28 September to Sunday 3 October. Update on certain subjects and the planned procedures.

Questions/answers with the President of Grand Pavois Organisation, Alain Pochon.

1/What is the latest news about whether the Grand Pavois La Rochelle will be held?

« The fact that the Grand Pavois La Rochelle is at the end of September is clearly an advantage in terms of the vaccination campaign and the number of people vaccinated, which will increase over the coming weeks. By the end of September we should be at a reassuring level of vaccinated persons in France, which will allow us to prepare our event with greater peace of mind. Today, the Grand Pavois Organisation’s Board of Directors (editor’s note, comprising water sport professionals) and myself are confident that our 49th edition will take place. It goes without saying that this Grand Pavois La Rochelle is much awaited by all water sport professionals and, today, we can underline a very good level of commitment among the professionals contacted. We are already almost full for the in-water and on-land areas, as well as for our Equipment space, thus confirming the interest and importance of our event for professionals which need to present their new products, offer visitors the chance to discover them, obtain feedback from customers about the products presented, develop their prospect files, etc.

Finally, of course, we will comply with all governmental and prefectural decisions and we will ensure that the sanitary measures required are applied. We remind you that we are an outdoor event covering an area of 60,000 sq m for the on land exhibition space and 100,000 sq m including the in-water area. Once again, we will favour the installation of outdoor tent villages so as to avoid enclosed spaces. In terms of its format, the event will continue to be held over 6 days, namely from Tuesday to Sunday, and the opening times remain unchanged, from 10 am to 7 pm. » « 

2/Currently, what measures are planned at the show?

 « We will be following the sanitary measures in force since 30 June which are quite clear: congresses, fairs and shows are entitled to benefit from 100% of their ERP capacity (editor’s note: ERP = establishments receiving the public). In short, this means that we do not have to apply any specific limits. Therefore, there will be no time constraints at the show and visitors will be able to spend as long as they want during opening hours. We will be closely following the instructions provided and a Covid Health Passport will be required to enter the show because the Grand Pavois La Rochelle is an event that welcomes more than 1,000 people at the same time. We must be clear that a Covid Health Passport means presenting either a vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours for access to major events, or the result of a RT-PCR test or a positive antigen test certifying to recovery from Covid-19 that is no older than 15 days and less than 6 months. Thus, we will have a two-level control system starting with the health passport check, followed by the ticket inspection. All the visitors will be required to wear masks, either on the pontoons, on the stands, or on the boats. We will provide hydroalcoholic gel at various points and have already published the show’s catalogue online and prepared other tools to avoid handling. The installation of the stands and the layout of the alleys will enable social distancing and we will ensure that shielding measures are applied. We will have a Covid Reference Person at the show who will ensure that all these measures are respected as much by the exhibitors as by the visitors, not to mention the restaurants which have specific sanitary measures to comply with. Our priority is clear: we will offer a high-quality and serene Grand Pavois for our visitors and professionals and will guarantee the safety of all those involved. The guidelines are changing every week and we will be sure to remain in line with all the measures. « 

3/Nevertheless, should we expect to see a different Grand Pavois La Rochelle?

« The Grand Pavois La Rochelle is a key event in the programme of international in-water boat shows. We want it to remain so and we will do our utmost to ensure that it takes place in the best possible conditions. It must remain a major event for water sport professionals and enthusiasts who come to see the next new products, refit their boats, discover new practices, and more. This year, there will be a major focus on eco-responsibility, the correct behaviour to adopt, the products of tomorrow, the presentation of the port of the future, and more. Thinking of the future is now the responsibility of all and the Grand Pavois wants to raise awareness of this fact among its public! Today, water sport professionals need to be able to present their know-how, their products, their new inventions, etc. Also, enthusiasts really want to be able to meet up, share their passion, exchange with others, make plans and try new products at sea. Remember, the Grand Pavois La Rochelle is also the launch pad for the year to come. After this somewhat complicated year, professionals are going to have to make plans for 2022. This year, the Grand Pavois must be this tool and provide the means for our water sports industry to prepare the coming year correctly and allow our enthusiasts to meet up in this spirit of conviviality for which we are known ».

More information about the Covid Health Passport:

https://www.gouvernement.fr/pass-sanitaire-toutes-les-reponses-a-vos-questions

Further information current Governmental Sanitary Protocols by activity: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/covid19-soutien-entreprises/les-mesures/protocole-sanitaire