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Nearly 500 boats to explore on land and on the water
From Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1, the Cap d'Agde Fall Boat Show will welcome visitors to the port?s technical area. The organizers have announced nearly 200 exhibitors and 500 new and used boats, including sailboats, motorboats, and multihulls.
The used boat market plays a major role at this Mediterranean event. Professionals and private sellers can list their boats for sale, while shipyards, equipment manufacturers, engine manufacturers, sailmakers, and service providers showcase their businesses.
For boaters considering a purchase or onboard renovations, the boat show offers an opportunity to compare different boats and meet professionals in maintenance, repair, and equipment.
Yannick Bestaven to Meet with the Public on October 28 and 29
Yannick Bestaven, winner of the 2020?2021 Vendée Globe, will serve as the patron of the 2026 boat show. The La Rochelle-based sailor will participate in four events focusing on his career, offshore racing, and his future projects.
Two presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and then from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. He will also be present on Thursday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Book signings will follow these sessions.
An engineer and co-founder of Watt&Sea, a company specializing in hydrogenerators, Yannick Bestaven will also be able to address issues of energy self-sufficiency and innovation on board. With his team, YB Sailing, he now hopes to develop projects that are more focused on the crew and knowledge transfer, particularly by mentoring a young skipper toward the 2028 Vendée Globe.
On Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m., Le Travelling movie theater in Agde will screen the documentary Coraje: From Victory to Adventure , focusing on his 2024?2025 Vendée Globe, which was marked by several mechanical failures and a withdrawal after Cape Horn. The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the sailor. Tickets purchased at the show?s reception desk are priced at ?7.50.
Thursday, October 29: A Discussion on the Future of Recreational Boating and Marinas
On Thursday, October 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Blue Invest will host a conference titled " "The Future of Recreational Boating: New Trends and the Future of Our Ports."
The discussions, attended by representatives of the Hérault Méditerranée Urban Community, the Occitanie Region, the Cap d?Agde Port Authority, the Federation of Nautical Industries, the Union of Port Cities of Occitanie (UVPO), and Agathéo / Suez, will focus in particular on new boating practices, water and resource management, connected services, and adapting ports to the needs of recreational boaters.
For port owners, these issues directly concern the evolution of the services available at ports, as well as the environmental and technical constraints that port facilities will need to address.
The trade show will also feature Station T, the innovation ecosystem led by the Hérault Méditerranée Urban Community with support from Gigamed, which will showcase companies and projects with potential applications in the boating industry.
Friday, October 30, starting at 1:30 p.m.: Spotlight on port and nautical professions
The afternoon will be devoted in particular to careers in the industry, with professionals presenting the skills in demand and employment opportunities in the boating and port sectors. These sessions are intended for both young people currently in training and those considering a career change. . Registration is required; please call 04 67 22 89 70.
Maritime Safety: Patrol Boat Tours and Demonstrations
Security will also be a focus of the program.
During the five days of the fair, the SNSM will offer tours of its rescue boat and demonstrations of survival percussion techniques to showcase the equipment and procedures used during rescue operations.
The Maritime Gendarmerie will also open its patrol boat to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. These tours will provide an opportunity to learn about the agency?s missions related to surveillance, prevention, and safety at sea.
Two lectures are scheduled for Sunday, November 1: one focusing on rescue operations at sea and the role of rescuers * , the other being the choice of safety equipment.
A weekend combining fishing techniques and maritime heritage
On Saturday, October 31, the program will highlight maritime heritage and traditions. A lecture on the Canal du Midi will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to mark the 30th anniversary of its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local traditions will be showcased through a Languedoc jousting event on Saturday, October 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the foot of the Midi Libre stage, followed by a traditional rowing demonstration on Sunday, November 1, at the same times.
Saturday's program will also include a lecture on modern fishing techniques at 2:30 p.m.
Environment, Biodiversity, and History on the Curriculum
Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet those involved in marine conservation. The Agathian Coast Marine Protected Area will showcase Mediterranean species and the conservation efforts being carried out locally.
Agathéo will offer activities focused on water management and biodiversity, including virtual reality experiences and educational games for families.
An exhibition organized in collaboration with Voies Navigables de France will also showcase the ship?s history and technical features. Visitors will be able to explore L'Espérance, a former fishing boat. Built in Agde in 1880, it has been designated a historic monument since 2009 and has returned to its home port following restoration.
Cap d'Agde Boat Show 2026: Practical Information
The 27th edition of the Fall Boat Show will take place from Wednesday, October 28, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, in the technical zone of the Cap d'Agde marina, on the Avenue de la Jetée side.
Admission is free, and the doors will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking is available.
The lectures will be held in a room located at the entrance to the technical area, in front of the Le Grand Large store. Admission is free and no reservation is required, subject to availability of the 80 seats, except for the sessions focused on careers, which require registration.
The complete program and any updates are available on the official website: www.capsalon.com .
