Yachting Art Magazine

Grand Pavois 2026 – Whilst rising prices for new boats may give the impression that recreational boating has become difficult to access, the Grand Pavois 2026 in La Rochelle is launching a dedicated area for vessels priced at under 30,000 euros including VAT. Called ‘Osez le Bateau’ (Give Boating a Go), it brings together sailing boats, RIBs and small motorboats. Yachting Art ActuNautique invites you to watch a video showcasing this initiative, which is aimed in particular at first-time buyers and new boaters.

Boats costing less than 30,000 euros at the Grand Pavois

It’s a familiar story for boaters: in recent years, the price of new boats has risen sharply. Between the cost of raw materials, equipment and engines, and the general move towards higher-end models across part of the market, some boats of around 7 metres can now cost 75,000, 90,000 or even 100,000 euros, depending on their specifications.

For those simply wishing to try their hand at boating or buy their first boat, these prices can act as a barrier to entry.

It is precisely this issue that the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 has decided to address with a dedicated area set up at the entrance to the show: ‘Osez le Bateau’ (Give Boating a Go).

The concept is particularly straightforward: the boats on display must be priced below 30,000 euros including VAT.

From 3.50 m to around 6.50 m

Above all, the area aims to demonstrate that there is still a range of new boats available at more affordable prices. The boats on display range from approximately 3.50 metres to 6 or 6.50 metres, featuring a wide variety of designs.

It is therefore not a question of promoting any particular type of recreational boating. The range includes small sailing boats as well as motorboats, RIBs and vessels designed for fishing and cruising.

In this programme, ActuNautique explores the Gazelle small sailing boats, alongside a small motorboat, as well as several models from Ranieri, Bombard, B2 Marine, Seastorm, Conero and the Italian brand Jaguar, fitted with Yamaha and Honda outboard engines.

It is precisely this diversity that makes the initiative so appealing: a budget of under 30,000 euros does not necessarily mean you are limited to a single model or a single way of enjoying boating.

A gateway for new boaters

‘Osez le Bateau’ is aimed in particular at those considering their first purchase.

Starting out in recreational boating with a small vessel has several advantages: the initial investment is lower and the boat is generally easier to handle. For a new boater who is not yet sure what role boating will play in their leisure time, this approach above all helps to avoid starting out straight away with a vessel representing a very significant investment.

The space also takes on its full significance within the context of a major boat show. Faced with new models, large vessels and heavily equipped boats that naturally attract the most attention, a visitor with a budget of 15,000, 20,000 or 30,000 euros may sometimes feel that the new-boat market is no longer aimed at them.

Le Grand Pavois aims to demonstrate the opposite here.

Putting the cost of getting into boating back at the heart of the show

The initiative is all the more interesting as it groups these boats together in a clearly identified area, rather than scattering them across the show’s various aisles.

Visitors can thus quickly compare several options that fit the same budget but cater to different purposes: sailing, cruising, fishing or motorised coastal trips.

The listed price is, of course, only part of a boater’s budget. Once the boat has been purchased, there are insurance, maintenance, fuel for motorised vessels, storage and, possibly, a mooring. But the purchase price remains a decisive factor when taking the first step towards boat ownership.

With ‘Osez le Bateau’ (Give Boating a Go), the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 is highlighting a sometimes less visible aspect of the market: that of small new boats and modest budgets.

In this Yachting Art ActuNautique programme, filmed live amongst the aisles of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, we invite you to explore this area and discover some of the boats on display priced at under 30,000 euros including VAT.