A new space making boating more accessible

From 22 to 27 September 2026, Grand Pavois La Rochelle introduces a new dedicated area for anyone ready to take the step into boating: “Start Boating”.

Designed as a true gateway into the boating world, this space has a clear goal: to demystify access to boating and show that solutions now exist for every budget and every project.

Owning a boat, sailing regularly, or simply discovering the sea in a new way is no longer reserved for a select few. The market has evolved, and so have boating habits.

Becoming a boat owner: more accessible than you might think

The idea of boating as an expensive or complex leisure activity is still widely shared.
However, the reality is different: today’s market offers a wide range of boats, flexible financing solutions, and new ways of accessing boating more easily.
With “Start Boating”, Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 aims to challenge these misconceptions and show that becoming a boat owner can be as achievable as buying a car, a caravan, or a motorhome.

Boats under €35,000

At the heart of the area, a selection of brand-new boats priced under €35,000 including VAT will be showcased in an immersive setting.
Displayed on land along a pontoon, these boats will allow visitors to realistically project themselves into their first purchase.
This approach highlights a little-known reality: affordable boating options do exist for first-time sailors.

All boating solutions for every budget

While younger generations increasingly prefer usage over ownership, flexible solutions and local leisure experiences are also becoming key trends.
This space will present all existing options, including traditional ownership, co-ownership, shared ownership, lease-to-own (LOA), boat clubs, and boat management rental schemes.

The goal is simple: to show that every boating project can find a suitable solution, whether for occasional or regular use.

Financing, training, mooring: removing all barriers

Beyond the boat itself, many questions naturally arise before getting started.
How do you finance a boat? What training is required? Where can you moor it? How do you insure it?

Within “Start Boating”, visitors will be able to get clear answers and practical guidance covering every step of the journey: budgeting, financing solutions, training, and mooring options.

A space designed for new boaters

With this initiative, Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 aims to support a new generation of boating enthusiasts.
Families, young professionals, first-time buyers, or curious visitors will all discover that boating is now simpler, more accessible, and more diverse than ever before.

A new perspective on boating at Grand Pavois 2026

With “Start Boating”, Grand Pavois La Rochelle reaffirms its commitment to openness and innovation.
By removing psychological, technical, and financial barriers, this new space directly addresses a question many people are asking themselves: what if boating is actually more accessible than we think?