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Professionals account for two-thirds of sales
From October 29 to November 1, 2026, the Mille Sabords hosted 345 exhibitors?including 205 professionals and 140 private individuals?across an area of 27,000 m².
The sales report shows that 89 boats were sold, with 60 transactions made by professionals and 29 by private individuals. Professionals thus accounted for 67% of the recorded sales.
The organization also reports that negotiations began during the trade show and are likely to be finalized in the coming weeks. However, these prospects are not included in the announced sales figures.
The results must therefore be evaluated on two levels: the transactions actually recorded during the event and the business contacts whose outcome has yet to be confirmed.
A commercial fleet dominated by motorboats
Professional exhibitors showcased 340 boats, including 190 afloat and 150 on land. Motorboats accounted for 67% of the total, compared with 33% for sailboats.
New boats also featured prominently in the exhibition areas, accounting for 24% of the units offered by dealers. The Mille Sabords thus maintains its long-standing position in the used boat market while also featuring a selection of new boats.
Among private sellers, the breakdown was more balanced, with 55% motorboats and 45% sailboats. The organizers reported an average listed price of 43,436 euros for the boats offered by this category of exhibitors.
This amount reflects the listed prices, not the prices actually negotiated. It therefore cannot be used to calculate the total value of the transactions carried out.
Between 60,000 and 65,000 visitors, according to the organizers
The fair estimates that it welcomed between 60,000 and 65,000 visitors over the four days. Since admission was free and there was no ticket office, this figure remains an estimate.
The organizers report steady attendance, with higher turnout on Saturday. Industry professionals interviewed during the event reportedly noted, above all, the presence of visitors who already had specific plans for purchases or equipment.
For exhibiting companies, however, total attendance is only a partial indicator. The quality of leads, product demonstrations, purchase offers, and sales closed after the trade show provide a better measure of its commercial effectiveness.
The press release does not provide conversion rates or a detailed comparison with the previous edition. Therefore, based on this data alone, it is not possible to accurately measure changes in demand.
The event went ahead despite the damage caused by Storm Austen
Holding the trade show was a logistical challenge in itself. A few days before it opened, Storm Austen had damaged several facilities at the Crouesty site.
The restoration work involved the trade show staff, contractors, and port authorities. Thanks to these efforts, the event was able to remain open to the public on Thursday, October 29, as originally scheduled.
This situation highlights the organizational challenges of hosting a boat show both on the water and on land, where the temporary infrastructure and the boats on display remain directly exposed to the weather.
Employment and training also have a place at Le Crouesty
In addition to its commercial activities, the Mille Sabords featured a Village of Trades, Jobs, and Training.
This event brought together companies, training organizations, job seekers, and people seeking career transitions. For the marine industry, the value of this initiative extends beyond the duration of the fair: it provides an opportunity to showcase careers and facilitate connections between employers and potential candidates.
However, no figures regarding recruitment or matchmaking were provided.
A market indicator, but not yet a sign of a market recovery
With 89 sales announced, the 2026 Mille Sabords delivers tangible results for the industry professionals in attendance at Le Crouesty. The volume of transactions completed by companies and the presence of identified purchase projects demonstrate that the show continues to serve a commercial purpose.
It remains to be seen to what extent these results reflect trends in the French used boat market. Without comparing sales volumes, actual prices, and time to sale, it would be premature to interpret these results as a reversal of the trend.
The next Mille Sabords is scheduled for October 29?November 1, 2027 . It will provide a new benchmark for assessing changes in commercial activity in Le Crouesty.
