FRENCH BOAT SHOW TO GO AHEAD

The 2020 Grand Pavois La Rochelle boat show is to go ahead this September.

The French show will take place over six days from September 29 to October 4 with organisers predicting a 20% to 30% drop in exhibitor numbers and a ‘slight’ decrease in expected visitors.

“The fact that the Grand Pavois La Rochelle is quite late this year is an advantage over many other events,” said Alain Pochon, president of Grand Pavois organisation.

“As a result, we hoped for a positive ending from the beginning of this extreme situation.”

Different

And he explained that the show is an outdoor event with 60,000 sqm of exhibition space on land and 100,000 sqm including the on-water exhibition - if the show had been an indoor event, the situation would be different.

It is anticipated there will be fewer events for the public, however organisers say they will do everything they can to reassure visitors with regards to refining their protocols to make the event as safe as possible in the best possible conditions.

“Our event is eagerly awaited by the marine professionals and many new boats and equipment have already been announced,” added Alain. “It should be remembered that all the spring boat shows have been cancelled and yachting professionals want to show off their know-how, their products and their novelties.

The focus for this year’s show is eco-responsibility.