After 10 intense days at the Porte de Versailles, the exhibitors and organisers have racked up positive results for this 2014 edition. The volume of business, the crowd numbers, the media coverage and the new organisation of the different sectors, all proved satisfactory, further bolstering the marine industries in their reasoned optimism with regards to the evolution of the European markets and more especially those in France.
Business has recovered in a great many sectors, the services and equipment manufacturers are congratulating themselves on a very active Nautic and the specialist yards have recorded a considerable boost in interest. The major constructors have noted a big leap in sales in certain zones, despite them lacking vitality over the past few years. Some distributors are even referring to this latest edition as being the best show since 2008, boosting the Nautic in its central role in terms of the economic activity of French industry. The allowance for new features and innovation is making more of an impact than ever with those brands offering something unique and original outperforming those who have few or no new features to showcase. A universe that embodies visitors’ passions, the watersports section feeds on this constant innovation.
The media coverage of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe prize-giving ceremony, the presence of French and international skippers, the Nautic SUP Paris Crossing, which is the biggest Stand Up Paddle race in the world with some 400 competitors on the start line, and also the displaying of the largest boat ever to be exhibited at the show, the CNB 76 (23m), created a significant increase in general public numbers and first-time visitors to the show throughout the week. The final weekend is in line with forecasts and the Nautic 2014 is set to exceed 230,000 visitors, which means it is still up there among the primary French shows, as well as being one of the top boat shows worldwide.
Finally, the new organisation of the sectors between Halls 1 and 2, which mainly include the ribs, financial services and textiles, has been a success. The new gangway, which is a lot wider and brighter, has enabled stands to be set up in this area, which is a first at the Porte de Versailles venue. The brands which exhibited in this zone, primarily outdoor clothing specialists, are very happy with the venue, which benefits from a footfall amounting to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Another innovation, the Marina concept set up in Hall 4 lived up to visitors’ expectations, giving them a chance to discover the deck and fit-out of the boats, as you would in a port, whilst still being able to view the hulls beneath the waterline.
Boat Shows 2015
The French Nautical Industries Federation and Reed Expositions France have set a date for sailing fans everywhere at the Yachting Festival de Cannes, from 8 to 13 September, and the next edition of the Nautic – International Paris Boat Show, which will run from 5 to 13 December 2015, at the Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.
