Some 400 boats will be exhibited on the quayside and 300 boats will be exhibited afloat, confirming, say the organisers, the Grand Pavois’ rank among the biggest afloat boat shows worldwide. And for this year, The Grand Pavois welcomes Croatia as its guest of honour country.

Another highlight of the Grand Pavois 2007 will be Voiles de Nuit. ‘I personally wanted that pyrotechnic show to be amazing for the Grand Pavois’ birthday,’ said chairman Alain Pochon.  

Pochon also quotes some figures from the French Nautical Industries Federation, FIN, to show the industry is in good shape.

‘The turnover in France is thought to be around €1170m before tax, which means an increase of more than 8% compared to 2005, while the world growth is estimated to about 6%,’ he said. ‘It should be stressed that the French manufacturing sector has confirmed its international development, achieving more than 63% of its sales abroad.’

Pochon offered some interesting figures. Such as 75% of the local companies have fewer than 10 employees (20% of the total number of jobs) and 25% of the region’s firms have more than 10 employees (almost 80% of the jobs).

New boats registered in the area in 2006 were 3,902 yachts and 18,573 motorboats. ‘Most of the registrations in France are for motorboats under 10 metres in length (22,254 registrations in 2006),’ said Pochon. ‘The boats at The Grand Pavois are split 60% power and 40% sailing and, in real terms, out of the almost 700 boats on show, 66% of them will be boats between two and eight metres.’

Last year’s show saw 104,000 visitors and Pochon is certain this will be easily exceeded this year.