Atlantic Cluster in La Rochelle: the boat show must go on!

The Grand Pavois has been canceled, but pleasure yacht builders are not discouraged - they are organizing a series of private events. Gael Pallou de la Barriere spoke about the role of the Atlantic Cluster in supporting this movement from a financial and technical point of view.

Despite everything, La Rochelle maintains its hospitality!

Alternative to the Grand Pavua for yachtsmen

One after another, the major yacht shows in the fall were canceled, and the shipyards had to urgently adapt and look for new ways to meet their customers. By whatever name they were - private visits, private exhibitions, private showrooms, open house days - all of these alternative events flourished after a series of announcements to cancel major boat shows. From 1 to 4 October 2020 in La Rochelle Atlantic Cluster will hold at least 12 of them, instead of the Grand Pavois.

“When the Grand Pavois was canceled, the shipyards quickly mobilized and organized, confidently awaiting the cannes cancellation... It started with individual inquiries to the port of La Rochelle. Then Atlantic Cluster and I wanted to do something common for the shipyards of New Aquitaine. At some point, we asked the question - is it worth creating something more public? Although we didn’t want to be compared with the event organizer in this context, ”explained Gael Pallou de la Barriere, director of the Atlantic Cluster of New Aquitaine yachting companies.

Grand Pavois 2019

Financial support for port logistics

“We chose to position ourselves as a technical assistant in order to make it easier for the shipyards of Nova Aquitaine to access the exhibition pontoons. Therefore, we moved closer to La Rochelle, as a member of the Atlantic Cluster, ”continued Gael.

The association will take on some of the logistics for a month, including moving yachts or unloading Class40 representatives. For its part, the port promises to reduce tariffs.

Maritime showroom in La Rochelle all year round

The head of the Atlantic Cluster highlights the reactivity of the neo-water yards and the potential of the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle to host similar events and private trials. “With the installations launched by the region's shipyards, there are about thirty more yachts to be tested. And that could make La Rochelle a permanent showroom all year round! ” - said Gaelle Pallou de la Barriere happily.

Port des Minimes is a promising platform for events and yachting trials

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