After a two-year hiatus, boating professionals and all stakeholders in the industry have come together for a new boat show, the Paris Nautic Show, which will be held from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 November at the Parc des Expositions in Le Bourget. The President of the French Nautical Industries Federation, Jean-Paul Chapeleau, discusses the challenges of this major event, which aims to showcase the dynamism, boldness and innovative spirit of the entire industry.
What were the motivations behind the return of this iconic event?
This has long been a major event for the industry, helping to promote the market. The show has traditionally been held in Paris in December or January since the 1970s. The fact that it takes place in winter means that it follows on from the boat shows held in September and October, kicking off the season in France and Europe.
What’s more, it’s a trade fair that inspires dreams thanks to sailing and water sports. It makes sense that it takes place in the Paris region, where more than half of France’s water sports enthusiasts are based. After Covid-19, the previous format was on its last legs. There was a real desire among professionals and customers to relaunch this event.
Was it easy to get this new dynamic going?
There was strong demand among all professions represented by FIN (French Nautical Industries Federation), including engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers, boat builders, rental companies, river specialists, etc. All were strongly committed to this Paris event.
The choice of Le Bourget was obvious to us.
Why is the Paris Nautic Show being held at Le Bourget?
There are several explanations for this choice, even though we were keen for it to take place in the Paris region. We therefore had three options: Villepinte, Porte de Versailles and Le Bourget. Villepinte was a little too far out of the way for our liking. The Porte de Versailles site had not satisfied exhibitors during the last editions in 2021 and 2022.
The Paris Air Show was therefore the obvious choice, as it has numerous outdoor areas and facilities for transporting boats. It is also very well located for visitors from the Paris region and neighbouring countries, particularly Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
Le Bourget is particularly renowned for hosting the Paris Air Show and the motorhome exhibition (Leisure Vehicle Show). Are these sources of inspiration for the new Paris Nautic Show?
Yes, absolutely. These are particularly interesting events. There is constant momentum surrounding the Paris Air Show, which is a major event for all aviation professionals. The success of the motorhome show is also interesting because motorhoming is a very popular leisure activity in France and bridges can be built between our worlds.
Encouraging water sports and nautical tourism
What will be the essence of the Paris Nautic Show? What do you want to convey to visitors?
The players in the industry want to highlight the vitality of their sector. Incredible work has been done in terms of sustainable development: professionals are highly committed and forward-looking, as demonstrated by the many innovations that will be presented during the exhibition.
In addition, recreational boating benefits from the appeal of ocean racing, which is very popular, as demonstrated by the Vendée Globe, and which can have a positive effect on recreational boating. We are also committed to promoting the region as a hub for holiday destinations. Metropolitan France, Corsica, the overseas territories: we are committed to encouraging water sports and tourism in these magical locations.
You mention the current dynamic. Is it really noticeable?
Our industry experiences periods of very strong cycles. Boating is a leisure activity that requires investment. When everything is going well, there is exceptional enthusiasm. But when things get more complicated – health crises, economic crises, geopolitical uncertainties, which is the case at the moment – potential customers become more cautious, hold back and think more carefully about their investments. Our industry is working to offset these cycles through its own initiatives, in particular by promoting its innovations. To achieve this, we will be seeing many new products and more innovative and sustainable solutions at the show.
Key players have already mobilised…
Yes, companies are responding positively. Among boat builders, the world’s top two groups, Beneteau and Brunswick, will be there with all their brands. In addition, all the engine manufacturers will also be present. There will also be a large number of players from the river transport sector, which is booming in France – the European country with the largest number of navigable waterways. There are also equipment manufacturers, boat hire companies, and more. We are continuing to work hard to bring companies together for this event.
A strong indicator of the revival of water sports in France
The format of the exhibition is also changing, as it is now concentrated into five days…
Yes, we wanted a shorter format and changed the organisation to make the programme more intensive and create a day-to-day event. There will be conferences, debates, presentations… All stakeholders, from professionals to players in the world of sport, will be mobilised for a concentrated programme of highlights from the beginning to the end of the event.
Is this a way to contribute to the revival and sustainability of this major event?
Yes, absolutely. We designed the show to be a powerful symbol of the revival of boating in France. The Paris Nautic Show aims to reflect an ambitious, forward-looking, responsible industry committed to sustainable development. We are also continuing a tradition: the first Paris boat show in 1926 was held indoors at the Grand Palais. So, together with all our teams and all the companies in the sector, we are preparing to write a new chapter in this wonderful story.
