Inspiring dreams, sharing passions… Showcasing exceptional yachts at Grand Pavois La Rochelle is about far more than displaying remarkable boats. It is about creating emotion, passing on maritime heritage, and enriching the experience of the 70,000 visitors expected to attend.
Grand Pavois La Rochelle aims to inspire future generations, bring the international in-water boat show to life, and offer visitors the unique opportunity to step aboard exceptional vessels. More than just a showcase of boats, the event celebrates maritime culture, highlights the remarkable men and women of the sea, and allows them to share their adventures firsthand.
By connecting heritage with innovation, attracting a wider and younger audience, creating lasting emotions, and reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe's leading in-water boat shows, Grand Pavois La Rochelle offers much more than a boat exhibition.
Here, visitors don't simply come to see boats—they come to meet extraordinary people, hear inspiring stories, discover cutting-edge innovations, and leave with dreams of setting sail.
What are the Iconic Boats for 2026?
Adventure – Gallinago: Around the World aboard a Figaro 1
Maxence and Victor Ansquir, brothers and sailor of Gallinago will be at Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 with the boat.
Originally setting sail on what was meant to be a simple Atlantic crossing aboard a Figaro 1—a former 9-metre offshore racing yacht—the two sailors have now spent more than two years circumnavigating the globe.
Currently sailing off the coast of Brazil, they are making their way back to France after an extraordinary world voyage aboard their monohull Gallinago.
Their incredible journey recalls the greatest ocean adventures, made even more remarkable by their encounter with legendary sailor Jérôme Poncet in the Falkland Islands, where they even shared part of his daily life.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet them, hear their remarkable story, and relive this extraordinary adventure. A dedicated documentary screening and live discussion will also take place in Le Spot at Grand Pavois Beach (official program to be announced).
More information: https://www.instagram.com/figarogallinago/
Location: Pontoon 2
Racing - Step Aboard the Class40 FPFP-TP (Hull No. 185)
Visitors will enjoy the rare opportunity to step aboard FPFP-TP, the new-generation Class40 campaigned by Matéo Le Calvic and Pierre Boulbin.
This 12-metre offshore racing yacht will line up for the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe only a few weeks after the show, making this an exceptional chance to discover life aboard one of today's most competitive Class40s.
The two skippers will be on hand to explain every aspect of offshore racing—from sleeping arrangements and onboard living to sail handling and performance at sea—offering visitors an authentic insight into life during an Atlantic crossing.
An unforgettable experience for anyone dreaming of ocean racing.
Location: Pontoon 2 – Boat trip experience Area
Racing - Crédit Mutuel : Winner of the very first around the world Class40
Grand Pavois La Rochelle is proud to welcome the Class40 Crédit Mutuel and her skipper Ian Lipinski.
Why? Because together they have just won the very first Globe40, the inaugural around-the-world Class40 race with stopovers, finishing ahead of a highly competitive fleet.
During this remarkable achievement, Ian Lipinski rounded the world's three great capes—Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn—aboard his 12-metre racing monohull.
Winning a round-the-world race in such a demanding class is an exceptional accomplishment.
And the adventure is far from over: Ian Lipinski will line up for the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe on 1 November.
More information: https://www.skippercreditmutuel.fr/le-class40-credit-mutuel/
Location: Pontoon 2
Heritage - Four Pen Duick Yachts on Display in the Heritage & Craftmanship Area
The Pen Duick yachts and Éric Tabarly, Éric Tabarly and the Pen Duick yachts—an inseparable and truly extraordinary story. Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 is therefore honoured to welcome four of these legendary yachts, thanks to the support and collaboration of the Éric Tabarly Association.
Moored at the end of Pontoon 7, Pen Duick, Pen Duick II, Pen Duick III and Pen Duick V will be on display throughout the show, offering visitors a unique opportunity to admire some of the most iconic yachts in French sailing history.
Managed by the Éric Tabarly Association, the fleet is carefully maintained in full sailing condition. Created to preserve and continue Éric Tabarly's remarkable maritime and educational legacy, the Association keeps these legendary yachts actively sailing while promoting maritime culture, encouraging research and innovation, and inspiring future generations across every aspect of recreational boating.
A truly unmissable display for every sailing enthusiast.
More information: https://www.asso-eric-tabarly.org/
Location: Pontoon 7 – Heritage & Craftsmanship Area
Restoration - Magie Bleue Returns
Following her successful appearance last year, Magie Bleue returns to Grand Pavois La Rochelle.
The story of this remarkable 21-metre schooner is nothing short of extraordinary. Built in 1985 under the name Magie Noire, she completed nine Atlantic crossings before eventually being abandoned... in a field, facing almost certain destruction.
Then, in March 2021, a final call for help changed everything.
The Icape Planète Bleue Foundation, whose mission combines maritime heritage preservation with ocean protection, stepped in to save the yacht. Renamed Magie Bleue, she has embarked on an entirely new chapter.
Today, the vessel serves as a platform for educational, scientific, environmental and humanitarian initiatives. Her innovative propulsion concept continues to be preserved and enhanced, while the yacht is made available to organisations committed to protecting the marine environment. She also provides the Foundation with a unique operational platform to support its social, environmental and humanitarian programmes, both in France and internationally.
A remarkable comeback—and one visitors can now experience firsthand.
More information: https://fondationicapeplanetebleue.org/
Location: Pontoon 2
Environmental Commitment - Uno Mondo : Setting a course for the Polar Regions
Uno Mondo perfectly illustrates how science, art and adventure can come together to inspire positive change.
Its expedition yacht, Northabout, specially designed and strengthened for polar navigation, has already completed three Arctic expeditions, supported 19 scientific research projects, welcomed 79 volunteers aboard, and helped raise environmental awareness among more than 17,300 schoolchildren.
For skipper Tobias Carter, the message is clear: the ecological transition should not be seen as a sacrifice, but as an opportunity for everyone to make a meaningful difference. Acting quickly is essential—but acting wisely is even more important.
At Grand Pavois La Rochelle, Uno Mondo will present a collection of graphic novels created during one of its Arctic expeditions before continuing its outreach programme through Voiles de la Science, sailing along the Charente River to meet and engage with schoolchildren.
An inspiring initiative that perfectly combines exploration, education and environmental action.
More information: https://www.unumondo.org/
Location: Pontoon 2
Restoration - The Super Arlequin by Voile Mag
In 2022, Voile Magazine fell in love with one of the iconic yachts of the 1970s—one that was simply waiting for the chance to return to the sea.
Together with the Passe-Coque Association and the Voile Magazine Club, the team gave this elegant Super Arlequin a remarkable new lease of life. Once restored, she returned to cruising, classic yacht gatherings and regattas along the Atlantic coast.
A superb example of a successful refit, driven by passion, expertise and a shared commitment to preserving sailing heritage.
Location: Pontoon 2
Social Commitment - The Gin Fizz Kate Kata: Sailing for Inclusion and Boating with therapy programs
Grand Pavois La Rochelle is also committed to supporting organisations that use sailing as a powerful tool for social inclusion and personal development, particularly for young people facing social, physical or emotional challenges.
This year, the spotlight will be on Kate Kata, a Gin Fizz (built by Jeanneau between 1975 and 1981), owned by journalist, author and sailor Patrick Benoiton.
The yacht was brought back to the water through the Passe-Coque Association, whose mission is to rescue abandoned or decommissioned sailing boats, restore them, and place them at the service of charitable, educational and community projects.
Today, Kate Kata supports initiatives ranging from youth inclusion programmes to therapeutic sailing experiences, demonstrating how sailing can help people discover new confidence, resilience and opportunities.
More information: https://passe-coque.com/
INTERVIEW REQUESTS: PHONE : +335 46 44 46 39 –PRESS OFFICE
LINK GOOGLE DRIVE FOR ROYALTY-FREE PHOTOS AND OFFICIAL SHOW VISUALS
Photo Credits: O. Blanchet and J.-M. Rieupeyrout / GPO
Key Facts
Grand Pavois La Rochelle, the one for real fans
Venue: Port des Minimes, La Rochelle, France
Dates: Tuesday 22 September to Sunday 27 September 2026 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Sunday until 6:00 pm)
Attendance: 70,000 visitors expected
Guest of Honour: Japan
Exhibition Areas: Boats ashore & afloat ∙ Multihulls ∙ Equipment ∙ Services ∙ Charter & Cruising ∙ Heritage & Know-how ∙ Fishing & Grand Pavois Fishing Competition ∙ Grand Pavois Beach ∙ Sea Trials ∙ Guest of Honour Pavilion ∙ Eco-Boating & Sustainable Innovation (with EDF) ∙ Boat trip experience Area (NEW) ∙ Tourism Area (NEW) ∙ Start Boating Area (NEW)
More information: Homepage - Grand Pavois La Rochelle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrandPavois
Instagram: @grand_pavois_official
LinkedIn: @GrandPavoisOrganisation
GRAND PAVOIS ORGANISATION, CREATOR AND ORGANISER OF NAUTICAL EVENTS!
Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO) provides the nautical and marine industries with tailor-made expertise, consultancy services, know-how and unique experience in the organization of nautical events in France and internationally.
As a non-profit organization, GPO maintains close ties with international marine industry and has developed recognized expertise in nautical event management, including offshore sailing competitions, corporate events and boat show organization.
References: Organizer of Grand Pavois La Rochelle International In-Water Boat Show since 1973, Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026 (France), Salao Nautico de Salvador (Brazil, 2023 & 2024), “Les Nauticales” Boat Show, La Ciotat (France, 2013–2021), Shenzhen China International Boat Show (China, 2009–2011), Partner of the China Qinhuangdao Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Boat Show 2025 & 2026, Rallye des Îles du Soleil (since 2017), Défi Atlantique Guadeloupe / Horta / La Rochelle (2019, 2023 & 2027), Class40 World Championship (2010 & 2022), Transat 6.50 Charente-Maritime/Bahia – Mini Transat (France/Brazil, 2001–2011), Naming ceremonies for Imoca 60 Maître CoQ V of Yannick Bestaven (2022), Macif of François Gabart (2011), Class40 Le Conservateur of Yannick Bestaven (2014), Inauguration of Chantier de l’Arsenal / Yacht Concept (La Rochelle, 2026)
More information: Homepage - Grand Pavois Organisation
PRESS CONTACTS GRAND PAVOIS ORGANISATION : Phone +33 (0)5 46 44 46 39
Pierrick Garenne – pgarenne@grand-pavois.com
Christina Gödelmann-Godde - presse@grand-pavois.com
