Grand Pavois La Rochelle, partner of 2nd edition of Aranya-Westport International Yacht Exhibition
by Grand Pavois Organisation 29 Apr 08:12 PDT
29 May - 1 June 2026
The Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition © Grand Pavois Organisation
Following the publication of a major market study on the development of the boating industry by 2025 in the Port of Hebei and the city of Qinhuangdao (Hebei Province, China), Grand Pavois Organisation, through its event Grand Pavois La Rochelle, will sponsor the Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition (China).
Launched in July 2025, the second edition of this exhibition will take place in two stages: in Aranya (a seaside resort in Qinhuangdao) from Friday 29 May to Monday 1 June, and in Westport in the city of Qinhuangdao itself from Friday 5 to Monday 8 June 2026. A boating event aiming to become a benchmark for Northern China.
The Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition (China), a promising second edition.
Organised by the Hebei Port Group for the second consecutive year, the Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition (China) aims to promote sailing and related activities through two key events.
The first will take place in the seaside resort of Aranya, which is now home to over 10,000 high-income residents with strong purchasing power, from Friday 29 May to Monday 1 June, whilst the second event will take place in the heart of Qinhuangdao, in the fully restored Westport district and its marina, which welcomes over 10 million tourists every year.
The boat show will bring together a large number of brands operating in China (with 100 boats expected and over 200 brands represented, 500 potential buyers invited, 200 VIP guests, 30,000 visitors expected), whilst showcasing the latest marine equipment, water sports gear and maritime technologies from around the world. Alongside manufacturers, importers and distributors, there will also be innovations such as low-altitude flying vehicles. This event is determined to become the most internationally oriented sector-specific and 'way of life' event on Chinese soil. In collaboration with leading international brands, the event invites industry leaders, renowned experts and academics, pioneering creative teams, as well as a wide range of visitors to take part. The exhibition showcases products representing every link in the boating sector's value chain, offering an international overview of this 'lifestyle' which is now gaining momentum in China.
Highlights include sea trials, introductory sessions, private meetings and targeted events for high-net-worth clients, invitation-only cocktail receptions, and a gala dinner bringing together over 200 distinguished guests (renowned artists, designers, industry leaders, media representatives, etc.). This second edition clearly aims to build momentum and establish itself as one of China's major nautical events!
Key points:
- Two venues: Friday 29 May to Monday 1 June at Aranya; Westport Qinhuangdao from Friday 5 to Monday 8 June 2026,
- 100 boats expected on land and afloat,
- 200 brands in attendance,
- 500 potential buyers invited,
- 200 VIP guests,
- 30,000 visitors expected.
Qinhuangdao (China), an exceptional geographical location
Qinhuangdao enjoys an exceptional geographical location on the north-east coast of China and on the Bohai Sea. Its key advantage is its location 300 kilometres from the capital, Beijing, with its population of over 21 million and an urban area of 19 million. Long regarded as a popular destination for China's ruling classes and high-income earners, Qinhuangdao is now focusing part of its economic and tourism development policy on water sports. Qinhuangdao clearly aims to position itself as the gateway to water-based tourism in Northern China, with direct access to the Bohai Sea, which is ideal for recreational boating, yachting and water sports. And whilst the Chinese boating industry is experiencing rapid growth and remains concentrated in the south of the country (Zhuhai, Hainan, Shenzhen, etc.), Qinhuangdao now aims to fill a gap in north-eastern China by becoming a regional boating hub and a key location for the capital, Beijing, by establishing a local ecosystem with opportunities for ambitious development and investment.
Whilst a number of marinas have already been established, the development of nautical events such as this second edition of the Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition (China) is clearly aimed at promoting existing infrastructure, but also at promoting ambitious, large-scale nautical development projects such as the development of marinas, the desire to welcome Chinese and foreign professionals and distributors, to provide technical resources and facilities, specific training, and to work on the development of premium tourism offerings centred on recreational boating... A truly ambitious development policy for the boating industry in Northern China!
Testimonial - Alain Pochon (Grand Pavois Organisation)
"It is with great pleasure and a great honour for Grand Pavois Organisation to continue our collaboration with the Port of Hebei and the city of Qinhuangdao. Following the market research carried out in 2024/2025 and our sponsorship of the first edition of the show in 2025, we are delighted to sponsor the second edition of the Aranya-Westport (Grand Pavois) International Yacht Exhibition 2026, which is gaining momentum. There is no doubt that Qinhuangdao wishes to establish a strong position on the Chinese yachting scene and has all the qualities to become the leading yachting destination in Northern China. It should be noted that Grand Pavois Organisation is managed by a Board of Directors comprising yachting professionals and can pride itself on being at the heart of the industry and therefore fully aware of the developments and trends in this constantly evolving market. A real strength that is appreciated beyond our borders."