/ 
The second edition of the Aranya - Westport GPO Yacht Exhibition came to a close on June 8, 2026. Behind this event lies more than a decade of cooperation between the La Rochelle-based organizer Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO) and several Chinese local governments committed to the development of the boating industry.
An initial project in Shenzhen as early as 2009
The story begins in 2009 in Guangdong Province, in southern China. At that time, Grand Pavois Organisation helped co-organize the Shenzhen International Boat Show alongside the Shenzhen Yubo Exhibition Group and Europexpo. Over three consecutive editions, between 2009 and 2011, the team from La Rochelle contributed its expertise in several areas: international business development, marine logistics, communications, and exhibitor support.
The goal is to establish a boat show capable of attracting major international brands while helping to introduce recreational boating to an Asian clientele that is still relatively unfamiliar with this sector.
At that time, many European manufacturers were among the exhibitors, alongside Chinese shipyards seeking to gain visibility in their domestic market.
China to Be the Guest of Honor in La Rochelle in 2014
Cooperation reached a new milestone in 2014. That year, China became the guest of honor at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle. The Chinese presence centered on a dedicated pavilion showcasing Liaoning Province and the port city of Dalian. The initiative is part of the ?Horizon Chine? program, developed in partnership with Charente-Maritime to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Beyond the diplomatic aspect, the goal is also to showcase developments in China?s marine industry and to foster contacts with French companies in the sector.
Qinhuangdao, a project launched before the pandemic
The year 2019 marks a decisive turning point. At the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, Grand Pavois Organisation signed an agreement with the Port of Hebei and the city of Qinhuangdao to conduct a feasibility study aimed at evaluating the creation of a major international sailing event in northern China.
The project is already aimed at making Qinhuangdao a premier boating destination. The study is intended to assess the available infrastructure, the potential of the local market, and the conditions necessary for creating an international boating event. The first edition is planned for as early as 2020.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the original schedule and delayed the project's implementation.
A mission that now goes beyond the scope of a boat show
When the partnership resumes in 2024, its scope will have expanded considerably. Grand Pavois Organisation has signed a consulting contract covering the period from 2024 to 2025 to support the development of Qinhuangdao?s marine industry.
The mission specifically involves:
- the development of recreational boating;
- water sports;
- port infrastructure;
- marinas;
- maritime tourism;
- international sailing events;
- the region's economic and tourism profile.
This development reflects a broader ambition on the part of local authorities. It is no longer just a matter of organizing a boat show, but of building a true nautical ecosystem.
Transforming an industrial port into a boating destination
The city of Qinhuangdao is seeking to evolve its development model. Historically focused on traditional port activities, the city now aims to incorporate more recreational boating, maritime tourism, and marine-related leisure activities.
In this context, Grand Pavois Organisation serves as an international expert, drawing on decades of experience gained in La Rochelle and through other maritime projects.
GPO's role, therefore, is to provide guidance on infrastructure, events, the region's appeal, and relations with professionals in the boating industry.
