2015 Grand Pavois La Rochelle – The water sports sector is evolving

by Veronique Largeau - GPO on 17 Aug 2015 The water sports sector will be meeting at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle in September to present its new features and products to professionals, enthusiasts, and amateurs. According to the figures of the French Nautical Industries Federation, this sector represents 5,090 companies and employs 40,326 people for a turnover of €4.42 billion. The 47,131 boats produced represent a turnover of €739.4 million. For several years, shipyards have been focusing on the export market, which represents more than 72% of production. With the fact of being 'made in France' serving as a guarantee of quality and know-how which is recognised overseas, France has become a reference in the water sports sector'; the world leader for sailing, inflatables, board sports and the fourth producer of motorboats.

13 million enthusiasts
Again, according to the figures of the French Nautical Industries Federation, there are estimated to be about nine million occasional sailors and four million regular sailors, namely a total of 13 million out of a total French population estimated to be 66 million in 2013! France is very much a country of sailors and water sports still continue to interest the public. You just have to look at the number of people who attend the departure of major sailing races, such as the Vendée Globe and the Route du Rhum, to realise how popular it is!

A water sports sector which is adapting and evolving
Today, the discipline is changing and many solutions are proposed by companies in order to help encourage people to take up sailing: joint ownership, sailing with owners, boat rental, finance solutions, etc. At the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, you will be able to find out more from these companies according to your choice:

Co-navigation, a new method of sailing
A solution which has shown its worth for sailing enthusiasts, co-navigation is a good compromise: share costs and meet other enthusiasts. Vogavecmoi has brought together owners and enthusiasts via its website over the past few years. A genuine platform for discussions and meetings, these websites ensure the promotion of this new ecologically responsible form of sailing.

Joint ownership
According to professionals' figures, we know that a yacht takes to the sea only a few times a year. The solution for reducing costs, mooring fees, etc. is to encourage and develop joint ownership. Nowadays, a large number of solutions are proposed by companies, such as CoandBoat.com, the leading network for the organisation and management of yacht joint ownership, which visitors will be able to meet at the show.

Financial solutions for buying your own boat
Several solutions are available for financing the purchase of your own boat. The Grand Pavois La Rochelle will allow visitors to review the offers of finance and insurance companies, find the most 'advantageous' solution (Lease with an option to buy, etc.) which, according to experts, offers some interesting investment opportunities. Today 80% of new boats are financed through a lease with an option to buy. It is necessary to contact shipyards which propose adapted finance offers or banks, such as Crédit Maritime, which is a partner of the show and which you will find in Hall A.

Rental, a good compromise for enthusiasts
Fortunately, for those who enjoy sea trips, sailing adventures and cruises, it is not always necessary to have your own boat. Today, rental companies offer boats of all categories and sizes for all budgets. At the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, visitors will be able to find rental companies and prepare their forthcoming holidays. In recent years, we have also seen the emergence of start-ups which promote rental solutions between private individuals.

What you need to remember about the show:

Name: The Grand Pavois La Rochelle
Venue: Port des Minimes in La Rochelle
Dates: from Wednesday 16 to Monday 21 September 2015, from 10am – 7pm
Area: 100,000 sq. m
Exhibitors: 800 exhibitors from 35 countries
Boats on display: 750 boats on show
Guest of honour 2015: The islands of Guadeloupe

Background information:
Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2015: 43rd edition of the show (created in 1973)
Associative show managed by water sport professionals
Six days of exhibition, from Wednesday 16 to Monday 21 September 2015, from 10am – 7pm
800 exhibitors, 750 boats on show on 100,000 sqm of exhibition space
More than 250 new features presented each year and 100,000 visitors at each event
Top Five international in-water rendezvous

Source - French Nautical Industries Federation