93,000 visitors at the 2014 Grand Pavois Boat Show in France

The 2014 Grand Pavois attracted 93,000 visitors (Ed: as compared to 92,000 in 2013) thanks to the number of new launches on show (Ed: more than 90 new boats on display, out of the 650 there), the number of highlights which were featured, and by its general mood. Those who strolled around the pontoons at this Grand Pavois seem  to have been satisfied at the number of professionals present this year. It's a positive sign for the profession, even if prudence remains the watchword.

NB: the dates for 2015: September 16 - 21

A business meeting-place which proves itself!
 
The presence of the 700 exhibitors confirms it: the Grand Pavois is known and recognised as being a business show. And the 2014 show confirms that, despite the complicated economic position in which the profession continues to find itself. Sales, numerous estimates, many meetings arranged for after the show: the Grand Pavois easily remains in the Top Five international in-water rendez-vous, and confirms that it is the essential show, on one hand for enthusiasts, and on the other, for the professionals who see the event as offering commercial prospects for the year to come.

Alain Pochon (President of the Grand Pavois) says: "The Grand Pavois remains a business show. These six days continue to prove that the Atlantic exhibition is an important date for professionals. It actually sold boats: now, caution is required because we must remain vigilant.  We must remain vigilant as to the future government decisions which will be taken, and we must restore confidence and dynamism to our profession, which has been considerably affected over the last three years. On the motorboat side, this has worked well. It seems that rigid hulls have had more commercial success than the semi-rigids and inflatables. 

The 40 - 45 foot sailing ships also worked, not forgetting the deep sea yachts, which were very well represented this year.   The multi-hull market remains a growing market segment. We had more than 30 multi-hulls present, and the Grand Pavois wants to become the Atlantic multi-hull rendez-vous. For the larger, non-specialized boatyards, they say they reached their targets, which is both reassuring and positive. If we feel reassured about this 2014 show, it still means that, from tomorrow onwards, we must set to work to develop and improve our offer. The indications are clear: develop our quality visitors and attract more foreign visitors, attract all the multi-hull boatyards, work on the services we offer exhibitors and maintain the quality / price ratio which is one of the best in the world, in terms of French and international boat shows."

93,000 visitors in six days
 
"We end this Grand Pavois with around 93,000 visitors: a better attendance than last year. No doubt the weather contributed to this slight increase in attendance, but we must still continue to work to help our exhibitors by attracting prospective quality customers. On this topic, our Premium Lounge was again a success, since contracts were signed there, and the exhibitors who used this service (Ed: valet parking, private areas, etc) were all more than satisfied with it".


Highlights …
 
"Once again, the Grand Pavois wants to be the rendez-vous for enthusiasts, and for that, we arranged a number of highlights, such as the presence of our two patrons François Gabart and Antoine Albeau who were both at the show, and available to chat to visitors and children. François even did us the honour of coming with his 60 foot Macif, which was in the Bassin des Chalutiers in La Rochelle. Antoine, with Robert Teriitehau, who came from Hawaii for the occasion, were both present on The Beach. They sailed in Stand Up Paddle, windsurfed, and took part in the first Sosh Legend Games, an exceptional event which allowed many children from disadvantaged backgrounds to try out the world of watersports and meet these champions! The Beach is still a unique place in the world of international shows. The Grand Pavois Fishing was a great success, and the sports fishing professionals who ran the competition, also open to amateurs, gave the latter a unique experience, with many bass being caught. Finally, in Wood Village, the Challenge des Pertuis 2015 was launched. This competition will be held next June for sailing dinghies with oars, for a rowing for a voyage in our Charente straits. A first! ".

Food for thought for the Grand Pavois and the association…

"Our Grand Pavois association must develop and, in accordance with its statutes, listen to watersports professionals. In addition, we want to keep our quality/price ratio unbeatable in the world of international shows, and to continue offering low, effective costs to their professionals. Now, we must develop our major event and potentially create more of them, working in different directions. For example: develop the multi-hull sector, as previously mentioned;  work on the concept of the sea trials with respect to the boatyards; think about setting up a deep-sea cruise centre, since La Rochelle is the best Atlantic harbour in France to prepare a boat for long voyages … we're also thinking about the creation of transatlantic-type rallies, heading for the West Indies, to respond to the demand of many boatyard customers. I think that at Nautic in Paris (December 2014), we will be in a position to announce many new ideas! "

By Grand Pavois ©