2013, a fine edition of the Nautic, with both visitor numbers and commercial activity on the up

After 10 lively days, punctuated by a vast array of events, the Nautic 2013 closes its doors this evening. There has been very steady flow of visitors throughout, over 240,000 in total, despite a day of public transport strikes.

The arrival of the boats in Paris opened festivities for this major annual show on 26 November. This was quickly followed by the inauguration ceremony, the Nautic previews and the Stand Up Paddle Paris crossing, with a record number of participants, which triggered a great deal of excitement for the upcoming Nautic, resulting in massive crowds early on in the week. After what was a particularly intense opening weekend, Team France’s announcement and a host of prize-givings and presentations punctuated the week and continued through into the second weekend, it too highly newsworthy. The number of accredited journalists reached a record high. In terms of the number of boats exhibited, this figure was slightly down on last year, with a reduction in the floor space at the Porte de Versailles, however the number of exhibitors remained stable and business was good. Indeed figures were up on the 2012 show, which would seem to indicate a slight increase in activity and a certain degree of solidity in the practice as a whole. The sales of boats were up on last year’s, despite what is still a rather unsettled economic context. The charter business is stable too, after a steady 2013, backed up by favourable weather over the summer. Initial observations made by exhibitors relate to the approach of visitors, a great many of whom arrived at the Nautic with a very informed, motivated attitude. This was particularly evident in the hall featuring the equipment manufacturers, which is doubtless related to the wealth of information available on the Internet, as well as in the specialised press, with the “Spécial Salon” (Show Special) issues being the year’s bumper editions. Also of note, was the increase in the number of novice visitors, with a boost in the level of ticket sales. Overseas visitors were also higher than usual, confirming the Nautic’s place among the top international meets. The French Nautical Industries Federation and Reed Expositions France, together with the thousands of protagonists and exhibitors at the International Paris Boat Show, have already set a date for the next Nautic, which will be held from 5 to 14 December 2014, in the Parc des Expositions at the Porte de Versailles. In the meantime, the next unmissable meetings are the Fête du Nautisme on 6 July 2014, which covers the whole of France, and the Cannes Yachting Festival from 9 to 14 September 2014.