Introductory sessions, christenings and demonstrations… this Thursday, visitors to the Nautic were able to witness numerous highlights and the good news is that this is set to continue and even intensify over the coming days. Indeed, between now and Sunday, there are still a number of surprises to discover at the Porte de Versailles. It’s also worth noting that for the younger visitors (under 16s and students under 26, through presentation of their student card on the day or pre-registering on the internet), entry to the boat show is free so they can come along and enjoy introductory boardsports sessions in the pool at the Spot Nautic, as well as meet some top skippers. For the more mature visitors, they can begin – or even complete – their Christmas present shopping, organise their next holidays or even dream of a circumnavigation of the globe with family.
Presentation of the Transat New York – Vendée
This morning at the Nautic, Yves Auvinet, President of the Council of the Vendée department, Didier Gallot, Mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne, Jean Kerhoas, President of the IMOCA Class and Peter Bayer, CEO of OSM, presented the Transat New-York – Vendée. This new singlehanded race for the IMOCA fleet will set sail on 29 May 2016 bound for Les Sables d’Olonne on France’s Atlantic coast between 6 and 9 June. Already around fifteen or so skippers have signed up to participate in the event, which is likely to take place every four years. Among the most notable skippers are Armel Le Cléac’h, Sébastien Josse, Alex Thomson, Jérémie Beyou, Vincent Riou, Yann Elies, Morgan Lagravière, Paul Meilhat and Jean-Pierre Dick. The broad outlines of the programme: a prologue setting out from Newport (21 May), a race village at the heart of Manhattan (North Cove Marina), a charity race promotion on the Hudson River (27 May), as well as a race start at the foot of the Statue of Liberty. “This new event will serve as a final dress rehearsal prior to the Vendée Globe. With a solo transatlantic race, setting sail from New York, an iconic city on an international level, bound for Les Sables d’Olonne, the stronghold of the famous round the world race, all the ingredients are in place for a very fine sporting festival,” commented Jean Kerhoas.
High Performance Composite training thanks to the AFPA and Multiplast
This Thursday, on the Nautic Stage, the Centre de Formation Composite Multiplast (Multiplast Composite Training Centre) and the National Association for the Professional Training of Adults (AFPA) in Auray, south-west Brittany, offered up a round table. Their aim: to present to the general public High Performance Composite training, which they’ve set up to satisfy the needs of businesses in Sailing Valley, companies stretching from Brest to Nantes. The project has the support of the Conseil Régional de Bretagne (Regional Council of Brittany) and is co-funded by Agefos SME and Pôle Emploi. The programme comprises five main points: a training session on how to succeed in crafts related to naval and marine construction then the aeronautics and aerospace industries, a programme in sync with the technical evolutions linked to top of the range and high performance composite materials, teaching provided by instructors with expertise in the necessary skills for the implementation of pre-impregnated composite materials, then a recruitment session and preparations targeting individual qualities, technical rigour and team spirit. Any takers…?
The Course Croisière EDHEC presents its 48th edition
At the end of today’s show, the organisers of the Course Croisière EDHEC (EDHEC Cruising Race) lifted the veil on the 48th edition of the race. As such, visitors have been asked to set a date for Roscoff from 15 to 23 April 2016. No fewer than 3,000 participants are expected for an intense week of competition at sea, on land or on the sand. In total, over 160 schools and 22 nationalities will be represented throughout the week. Combining sportiness and sociability, a race village spanning over 12,000m² will accommodate participants, visitors and those who are simply intrigued to see what’s going on, with a wealth of entertainment on offer and a bar serving refreshments. Every evening, the marquee will open for what have fast become legendary ‘soirées’ at the event.
A festival of new features for Bénéteau
As is the case every year, Bénéteau has been a powerful force at the Nautic, boasting a fleet of 28 boats on its 3,000m2 stand. “Paris is a crucial meeting for the brand and the networks. We sell a great many boats during this major event. Some of our dealers complete half of their annual sales here”, confirms Yannick Hemet, France’s Commercial Manager. In Hall 4, there are no fewer than 20 motorboats exhibited on the gleaming Bénéteau and Monte Carlo stands. A unique opportunity then to unveil a stunning range that includes four new additions. Enjoying its world exclusive is the Gran Turismo 46, which is continuing the stylistic revamping of this Express range, initiated with the arrival of the GT 40 in the autumn. Measuring nearly 15 metres, this craft embodies all the talent of the prestigious Italian designers Nuvolari Lenard, designers of the Monte Carlos. The look is sportier and more modern, the lines more incisive, and the interior decoration with its embossed leather upholstery is resolutely contemporary. The GT 46 benefits from the technical excellence of the Air Step 2 hull below the waterline, motorised with a choice of IPS or Z-Drive. There is another style revolution on the stunning Swift Trawler 30. The new entry-level range of cruisers with a big heart powered by a 370hp engine, are a devastating line. As such, how could you not fall for the wheelhouse with its glazed bulkhead boasting wraparound vision. The Nautic is also an opportunity to discover the Flyer 8.8 Spacedeck. It is the tenth and largest model in a range of four new-look open sportsboat, launched without any fuss two years ago. Deep-sea fishing enthusiasts are sure to be won over by the Barracuda 8, a fishing boat with a cabin that fits snugly into the 7 to 9-metre range.
A plethora of gift ideas for Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching and you haven’t yet finalised your gift choices? Lacking inspiration? At the Nautic, you certainly won’t be short of ideas. Try a neoprene wetsuit from Hoalen, a folding bike from Navicom, a bag made from a recycled boat sail from 727 Sailbags, a fully-connected Stand Up Paddle from Hopman, colourful foulies from Helly Hansen or super flexible garb (Flex 3D range) from Henry Lloyd, five-boats-in-one from Nau, fishing kayaks from RTM Fishing, new binoculars like the Nikon 7X50 WP Global Compass with integrated compass or the Equinox Z from Bushnell, which is once again democratising the night vision technologies… clearly there is something for everyone in Hall 1, 2.1, 2.2 and 4!
Tomorrow’s unmissables
There are two events in particular which must not be missed on any account at the Nautic tomorrow. At 14:00 hours, first of all, the Nautic Start Up Contest on the Nautic Stage. Those with projects to promote will have a matter of minutes to convince a jury of marine and web professionals that their concept for an application or online service is the best idea of the year, nay the century. Next up, at 19:00hrs, is the prize-giving for the Nautic Design Awards in the Jeep Lounge in Hall 4, with Odile Decq, the celebrated architect designer. The finest Day Boats and Cabin Cruisers of 2015 will be revealed after visitors to the Nautic and the jury take a vote, with the five finalists sized up and assessed over the course of the boat show.