14 rue Saint Nicolas - 17000 La Rochelle - France - +33(0)546370108

International on-water boat show - La Rochelle
Grand Pavois 2008

Guest of Hounour Country: Ireland & County Cork.
From Wed. 10th to Mon. 15th of September 2008.
The General Humbert's Irish Pub - Hall of Ireland.
Grand Pavois, Boat show, boat, sail power wooden boats, yachts, yachting, nautic, sails, engines, Roland Jourdain, Damian Foxall, marine clothes, trimarans, surfing, inflatable boats, night sails, Ireland Guest of Honour, La Rochelle 2008, water-based sports.
The General Humbert's Irish Pub will be represented at Le Grand Pavois 2008 boat show in Les Minimes harbour from September 10th to 15th, 2008 in the pavilion of the Guest of Honour Country: Ireland.
A whole week of festivities will be organized to celebrate this event as well as the 210th anniversary of the General Humbert's expedition to Ireland (who set sail from La Rochelle in 1798).

The detailed program and schedule of the Grand Pavois week of festivities and celebrations, daytime at the show, or in the evening at the pub, rue Saint Nicolas, will shortly be on-line and available at this page.
From the 9th till the 15th, two bands coming from Ireland will be playing live traditional Irish music every night
Starting off with a good whiskey, accompanied by a smooth Pint of Guinness and rounded off with a great Irish music session - what more can you ask for?

Time schedule will shortly be available on this page.
The Outside Track formed in 2005 when they were all students at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick.
The Outside Track combine music from all their different influences to form a distinct and dynamic musical sound. Flute, harp, fiddle, guitar, accordion and vocals are woven in expressive, energetic arrangements that deliver traditional music with a modern twist.
The Outside Track are:
Alan Jordan : (Guitar, Vocals, Whistle)
Ailie Robertson : (Harp)
Norah Rendell : (Flute, Whistle, Vocals)
Lauren MacColl: (Piano, Fiddle, Vocals)
Fiona Black : (Piano Accordion, Vocals)
With a line-up that includes BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner 2005 (Lauren), the BBC Fame Academy Bursary winner 2007 (Fiona) and the BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist 2008 (Ailie), it's no wonder that The Outside Track are one of the most talked about new bands on the scene.
Song repertoire encompasses both classic ballads and contemporary songwriting, combining the tradition with fresh new material. Group harmony singing sits alongside sparkling new instrumental sets. With an average age well below 25 the members of the band may be young, but between them they have performing credentials that many veteran bands could wish for.
The "Skin & Bow" album of the two all-Ireland champions Declan Folan (fiddle) and Junior Davey (bodhran) caused a sensation when released.
Declan Folan and Junior Davey with their fiddle and bodhrán combination produce a unique sound of traditional music which defies reality. Declan's sweet rhythmic style and individualistic approach to the tunes give new meaning to the Sligo style, enhancing it every way possible:
this plus Juniors innovative bodhrán style and subtle approach to backing the music made "Skin & Bow" one of the finest traditional albums ever recorded. They come back with a new lineup including Michael Hurley (flute, tin whistle and mandoline), PJ Hernon (accordion) and Brian Lothouse (guitar, mandoline and vocals).
Ceoltóirí Coleman are regularly performing at the Coleman Traditional Irish Music Center in Gurteen, Co. Sligo, Ireland. Junior has won the All-Ireland Championship on the bodhrán five times (1990, 1993, 1996, 1997 & 1999) and is the most winning bodhrán player at the All-Ireland ever. In 2005 Junior launched his first solo-album titled "A Sound Skin" which is his latest contribution to Irish traditional music. Over the years Junior has worked as a guest musician and has contributed to several albums. He is an experienced teacher and have taught for many years in Ireland including the Coleman Country Bodhrán School and abroad.
During the day, Ceoltóirí Coleman and The Outside Track will play on the main stage of the Ireland Pavilion Hall 13 at the Grand Pavois boat show, Les Minimes harbour in La Rochelle.
Other artists will join them. Two Irish groups coming from Cork city Dancing Thru The Ages (music and dance) and the Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dancing (dance).
Discover the magic and beauty of Ireland’s colourful culture in a fresh and exciting show that will take you on a journey through the history of Irish dance, music and song. Dancing Thru the Ages seamlessly showcases the ancestral legacy of Irish culture and tradition with an exciting contemporary one without losing the spirit and exuberance so associated with the Irish style of music and dance.

The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dancing, founded and run by Áine Walsh Kelley, a native from Cork, is attended by more than 150 dancers. She is the winner of numerous Irish dancing awards and competed throughout Ireland in regional, national, and All-Ireland championships.
In 2004, Breda O’Brien joined the teaching staff of The Walsh Kelley School. Breda was formerly an owner of the very successful O’Brien School of Irish Dancing in Galway, Ireland. She is a certified Irish dance teacher who has trained several All-Ireland and World Champions. Breda is also a certified adjudicator and has judged the Australian Nationals, North American Championships, All-Ireland Championships, and World Championships.
In addition to dance competitions around the globe, Walsh Kelley School dancers also perform at various events and venues. The dancers have performed with The Chieftains, Jethro Tull, Cherish The Ladies and Eileen Ivers.

A business boat show!
Beautiful beaches, water as blue as the sky and boats lined up along the harbour – it can only be La Rochelle.
Launched in 1973, the Grand Pavois became a major event in the marine sector. Its exhibitor’s number has been multiplied by 20 and the visitors by 30, reaching 104 000 in 2007. The Grand Pavois became one of the 5 biggest international in-water boat shows.
100,000 square meters exhibition surface (45,000 square meters afloat), 12 thematic areas, 700 exhibited boats including 300 in-water and more than 850 exhibitors representing 30 countries.
Whether you just want to buy a scale model or you feel like splashing out on a fully-equipped yacht, there's no better place to do it.
And from September 10th to 15th, visitors can marvel at the range of boats on display at Le Grand Pavois show in the French port.
Grand Pavois is the only boat show of this size registered by an association and led by professionals, for professionals.

The organisers of next year's Grand Pavois boat show in La Rochelle, France have announced that a new 15,000 sqm area devoted to sail and powerboats over 15m (50ft) will be located in the heart of the old part of the city at the 2008 event.
The new Prestige Yachts area will be based in the Bassin des Chalutiers, where around 40 large yachts will be displayed on water.
A free shuttle bus will also be on hand to transport visitors from the Bassin des Chalutiers to Minimes Harbour, where the show traditionally takes place.

Ireland will be the Guest of Honour Country of this 36th edition of Le Grand Pavois. Visit us at the Guest of Honour Hall where for five days you can explore the food, the drink, the sights, the sounds and the unique ambiance of Ireland.
Ireland, a country to rouse your spirits and inspire your soul.
The two 2008 sponsors: Roland Jourdain... and Damian Foxall (Ireland).
If many sailors "sail" the alleys and "navigate" on the pontoons of the international afloat boat show the Grand Pavois, two among them will be honoured in 2008: Roland Jourdain et Damian Foxall.
Roland Jourdain will be the exceptional sponsor of this 2008 edition and will present in exclusivity to the 100 000 passionate people his new 60 feet monohull: Veolia Environnement, few weeks before the march out of the Vendée Globe (around the world, alone and without stop).
"I’m very happy to be designated as godfather of the Grand Pavois this year, and I’m proud to present to “La Rochelle” people the boat I’ll sail for the Vendée Globe two months latter. It’s a great Rendez-Vous for the nautical world and I’m happy to be there with Veolia Environnement", Roland Jourdain said.
Damian Foxall, who just won the Barcelona World Race with his co-skipper Jean-Pierre Dick will be the sponsor of the guest nation this year : Ireland.

Impossible not to think about Damian Foxall when Ireland sailing tradition is evoked! Coming from Kerry, a county located in front of the Atlantic Ocean, Damian is a sailor without bounds. He sailed over 300,000 nautical miles all around the World. A man that everybody appreciates, Damian is a full-scale sailor: solo racer, double handling racer or crewmember. He recently won the Barcelona World Race; a double handed around the World race without any stopover. The man is polyvalent and multi cultural, he already sailed several times around the World as a crew member, he participated to the America's Cup, he tempted to bit records on maxi multihull and raced on 60' trimarans... The Irish skipper deserves full respect. Solid, professional and joyful, Damian will be for sure one of the most fascinating ambassador of the Guest of Honour Country for the Grand Pavois 2008.

Two sailors that have an impressive prize lists and that both are renown over borders for being very pleasant... Two sailors that will be the Grand Pavois stars from the 10th to the 15th of September 2008!
Le Grand Pavois in brief…
- Dates for 2008: 10-15th of September from 10.00am to 7.00pm.
- Location : Les Minimes harbour – La Rochelle.
- More than 100,000 visitors in six days.
- 2008 Guest of Honour Country: Ireland & County Cork.
- One of the Top 5 biggest International afloat boat show.
- 100,000 sqm exhibition surface et 3kms of pontoons.
- 700 boats, over 300 afloat.
- Many international visitors (Italy, Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland, Germany…).
- 832 exhibitors in 2007.
- Over 35 nations represented.
- Over 250 accredited journalists in 6 days.
- 25 million Euros generated for the local economy (not considering the boat or equipment sales).
- 30,000 to 35,000 attendance for the "Night Sails" (Voiles de nuit).

Ireland
It is said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible, and its people seem put on earth expressly to restore faith in humanity.

Ireland's Stunning Scenery and legendary landscapes are made all the more breathtaking by misty islands and the pulse of the sea around 5,600km of pristine coastline. This stunning scenery is coupled with a hospitable people who possess a deep literary, musical and philosophical introspection and a sense of joie de vivre that will make you feel at home. In 2007 the island of Ireland welcomed over 9 million visitors to its shores.
Just as you'd expect from an island, Ireland has a long and distinguished tradition of sailing and the Irish take seafaring matters very seriously indeed.
It's no surprise that the oldest yacht club in the world, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was founded in 1720, and Ireland's seas and lakes, clear waters, generous breezes and remarkable natural beauty have made it a favourite place to sail.
Ireland is green for a reason. The varying shades of green (some say over 50) can be attributed to the high level of precipitation. With any visit of more than a few days, it can be almost said for certain that rain will be experienced. As the Irish say "It never rains in the pub." The winter is wetter than the summer, and the western part of the island gets more rain than the eastern part, the southeast is the driest part of the country.

On the positive side though, despite its northerly latitude, Ireland rarely gets very cold, and snow and ice are relatively rare. Ireland enjoys an equable climate, moderated by the warm Gulf Stream and the prevailing south-westerly winds. When the sun does shine (and it does quite often) Ireland's magnificent coastline and beaches can be relished at their best.

Summer temperatures average between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Anything above that would be considered a hot day, and rarely does the temperature get as high as 30. Similarly winter is moderate and even in January and February the average temperature is between six and seven degrees.

Background and history.
Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions.
A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK.
In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973.

Today, the population of the island is slightly over six million (2007), with 4.34 million in the Republic of Ireland (1.7 million in Greater Dublin) and an estimated 1.75 million in Northern Ireland (0.6 million in Greater Belfast). This is a significant increase from a modern historical low in the 1960s, but still much lower than the peak population of over 8 million in the early 19th century, prior to the Irish potato famine.

Traditionally, Ireland is subdivided into four provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster; and, in a system developed between the 13th and 17th centuries, 32 counties. Twenty-six of the counties are in the Republic of Ireland, and the remaining six (all in Ulster) are in Northern Ireland.

The official languages are Irish and English. Teaching of the Irish and English languages is compulsory in the primary and secondary level schools that receive money and recognition from the state. Some students may be exempt from the requirement to receive instruction in either language. English is by far the predominant language spoken throughout the country.
According to the 2006 census, 1,656,790 people (or 39%) in the Republic regard themselves as competent in Irish; though no figures are available for English-speakers, it is thought to be almost 100%.

Economy of The Republic of Ireland
Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with growth averaging a robust 7% from 1995-2004. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Industry accounts for 46% of GDP, about 80% of exports, and 29% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's growth, the economy has also benefited from a rise in consumer spending, construction, and business investment. Per capita GDP is now 10% above that of the four big European economies and the second highest in the EU behind Luxembourg.

County Cork
Cork County is situated in the South West of Ireland; it is the largest of all the Irish counties and in many ways the most varied.
The rich farmlands and river valleys of the north and east contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west, and above all there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands.
The city of Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and capital of the province of Munster.
The city of Cork has a population of 119,143, while the addition of the suburban areas contained in Cork County brings this total to 190,384. Metropolitan Cork has a population of approximately 274,000, while the Greater Cork area is about 380,000.

Cork Harbour is unrivalled in its size compared to any other harbour within the Republic Of Ireland.
Cork Harbour is a natural harbour and river estuary at the mouth of the River Lee in County Cork, Republic of Ireland. It is one of several which lay claim to the title of "second largest natural harbour in the world by navigational area" (after Sydney).

The Royal Cork Yacht Club - the world's oldest - is based in Crosshaven. There is another marina at East Ferry on Great Island. Small facilities at Monkstown and Blackrock are used for boating, canoeing, windsurfing and jet-skiing. A number of rowing clubs have facilities on the part of the River Lee between Cork City and Tivoli.

History
The name Cork comes from the Gaelic word, corcaigh, which means ‘marsh’. The city has had a long and turbulent history, resulting in its nickname, The Rebel County; two of its favourite sons are Michael Collins, and another rebel of sorts, Manchester United’s Roy Keane.
The Titanic made its last stop here before its fateful journey in 1912. The jagged Cork coastline is famed for its magnificent scenery - especially in the southwest. Picturesque Kinsale is known as the 'gourmet capital of Ireland'.

Cork's history dates back to the 7th century, when St Finbarr founded a monastery on the site of the current St Finbarr's Cathedral. As a result, a settlement steadily developed around this area over the years.

The Vikings arrived in 820 AD and destroyed both the abbey and the town. They eventually managed to exist alongside the local people and built a new settlement on one of the islands in the marshes.

The seafaring and trading abilities of the Vikings proved to be of great benefit as they provided wine, salt and other commodities. The descendants of the settlers intermarried with the native Irish and became known as the Ostmen or Eastmen. They established Cork as an important trading centre and this was further enhanced with the coming to power in the 12th century of the MacCarthys of Desmond, who established Cork as their capital.

In 1172 Cork, along with many other towns in the region, was captured during the Norman invasion. The Ostmen had their property confiscated and they were expelled from the city. The Normans strengthened the town's defences with huge stone walls and repelled the advances of Cromwell.

The town fell once more to William of Orange during the Siege of Cork, in 1690. It was from this point that it started to prosper and become a recognisable city. Many of the marshes were reclaimed and the canals within the city developed to allow for waterborne trade.

Remains of this period can still be seen throughout the city in the 18th century bow-fronted houses and church architecture. The prosperity of the 18th century was followed by a devastating famine, which led to the death and migration of many of the city's population.

Cork has always prided itself on its independence, which led to violence during the Anglo-Irish and Civil wars. The Black and Tans were responsible for fires that destroyed most of the city and a wave of terror including the murder of the mayor, Thomas MacCurtain, in 1920. The next mayor was jailed as a Republican and died in a London prison after 74 days on hunger strike.

The renaissance of Cork is reflected in its nomination as European Capital of Culture in 2005. This inspired further developments in order to meet the standards expected for this prestigious award. The main street through the city centre received a makeover and street furniture and pedestrian areas were added. Regeneration work is attracting a number of new leisure activities and cultural interests. The population continues to grow and new service industries are being established.
Tourist attractions & events
The climate of Cork, like the rest of Ireland, is mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. Cork is also a generally foggy city, with an average of 100 days of fog a year - most common during mornings at times of high pressure or else during winter. Despite this, however, Cork is also one of Ireland's sunniest cities, with an average of 3.8 hours of sunshine every day and only having 69 days where there is no 'recordable sunshine', mostly during and around winter.

Cork has many sports, artistic, cultural and heritage attractions to offer visitors. Festivals are a big attraction in Cork and throughout the summers there are festive events on every weekend.
Every year the city offers an extraordinary programme of cultural activity spanning theatre and dance; architecture, design and visual arts; music; sport; film, media and sound; festivals; literature, publications and conferences.

Whether you are interested in indoor or outdoor activities there is plenty to do inand co Cork City and Country. Activities include walking, cycling, golf, angling, sailing, diving, horse-riding, trekking, sea kayaking and windsurfing and a range of facitliies for health and well being and Spas.
The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest in the world dating from 1720. Sailing continues to be a popular pastime along Cork’s magnificent coastline and several coastal towns offer harbour cruises or boat hire. The rivers and lakes of the county with their unpolluted water and great scenery are popular with canoeists and kayak enthusiasts. Enjoy one of several Blue Flag beaches where surf-boarding is a rapidly growing all year round sport. You can also go whale or dolphin watching.
The warming influence of the Gulf Stream in Cork encourages a huge diversity of marine life and the very real possibility of landing a rare or unusual fish.
Cork City and County Cork has a well deserved reputation as a world class golfing destination. Whether you are staying in the City or County a golf course is within a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Some of the top key courses available to visitors to play are the are Old Head of Kinsale, Fota Island, Cork Golf Club, Waterrock, Lee Valley, Capella at Castlemartyr..

From the lively centre of Cork City, to the sweet tranquillity of Mizen Head, County Cork is a study in contrasts.

Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west, and above all there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands. One moment you are in the midst of a world-class shopping expedition, and the next, you are pausing to absorb a spectacular seaside vista. All of which makes County Cork a unique and delightful area to visit. The Rivers Lee and Blackwater, flowing through gently Rolling Meadows to the sea, will serve as your guide as you explore this delightful County.

While the lively arts and music culture will make your heart beat faster, the beautiful scenery and world-class dining will give you plenty of reason to kick back and relax.
Top things to do in County Cork:
- Blarney Castle
- Cork City Gaol
- Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium
- Fota Wildlife Park
- The Titanic Trail
- The English Market" in Cork City
- West Cork Model Railway Village
- Millstreet County Park
- The Queenstown Heritage Centre of Cobh
- Bantry House and Gardens & the 1796 French Armada Museum
- Crawford Art Gallery
- Cork Race Track
- Barryscourt Castle
- Beara Peninsula
- St. Finbarre’s Cathedral
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- Gougane Barra (Forest Park)
- Kanturk Castle
- Mallow Castle
- Crosshaven
- Kinsale
- Innishannon
- Mizen Head
- Schull
- Old Midleton Distillery & Jameson Heritage Centre
The market town of Midleton is a mere twenty minute journey from Cork city or Cobh. Here in the carefully restored Old Midleton Distillery is located the Jameson Heritage Centre. A visit to the Centre, which contains the largest Pot Still in the world, is a journey through the history of Irish whiskey.
www.jamesonwhiskey.com/omd

A varied offer and amazing lanscapes!
Listen to the roar of the waves in your ears or the hush of the barge as it passes you by, and you’ll know why Ireland is a water-lover’s haven

With unparalleled spots like Brandon Bay, Clew Bay, Portrush, and Portstewart, and over 5,600km of pristine coastline, temperate conditions, masses of lakes, rivers and waterways, Ireland is ripe for a waterworld discovery.

What’s out there?

Local and international surfers take to the waves around the island along a coastline that’s big on thrills with exhilarating swells and pristine beaches. Meanwhile, windsurfers adore the steady winds and countless safe, clean beaches that make Ireland a number one destination.

There are thousands of kilometres of coastline waiting to be discovered by the intrepid scuba diver with sheltered harbours for the beginner, and steep rocky cliff faces for the more experienced diver. Water-skiers and wake boarders can also enjoy great facilities around the country.

Canoeists will thrive on the passion the Irish have for canoeing, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with whitewater, downhill, slalom, surfing and sprint canoeing.

Where better to take to the seas than in a country with an impeccable sailing heritage and a coastline that will rouse your spirits and inspire your soul?
Sailing
With the wind in your sails, check your sheets as it’s time to experience a voyage around Ireland.
Inland Cabin Cruising
Wind your way through the magnificent Irish countryside as captain of your own cruiser.
Canoeing/Kayaking & Rowing
Get those paddles out and experience all that Ireland’s waterways have to offer.
Sub-aqua diving
Discover sunken wrecks and a plethora of sea life when you make Ireland your very own waterworld.
Surf
When the white horses rush in from the Atlantic Ocean, get ready for some adrenalin-induced action in Ireland .
Water-skiing & Wakeboarding
Nothing beats the exhilaration of skimming the water while water-skiing or wakeboarding, and there’s no better place to get the rush than Ireland.
Windsurfing
If you’re serious about windsurfing, then make Ireland your number one destination – after all, it’s the professionals’ choice.
Enjoy yourself...
Stunning scenery and legendary landscapes are made all the more breathtaking by the wistful sound of rushing water!
You may find the following related links useful:
Canoeing Northern Ireland Irish Boat rental Association
Irish Kitesurfing Association Irish Sailing Association
Irish Surfing association Irish Underwater Council
Irish Water Safety Irish Waterski Federation
Irish Windsurfing Association N. Ireland Federation of Subaqua Clubs
RYA Northern Ireland Council The Canoe Association of N. Ireland
Irish Amateur Rowing Union The Irish Canoe Union
Baltimore Diving Waterways Ireland
 
Office de Tourisme d'Irlande Grand Pavois - Boat Show
http://www.discoverireland.com/fr/ http://www.grand-pavois.com/
Failte Ireland Tourist info
http://www.failteireland.ie/ http://www.larochelle-tourisme.com/
Cork County Council La Rochelle airport
http://www.corkcoco.ie/ http://www.larochelle.aeroport.fr/
Visit Cork County Yachting harbour
http://www.visitcorkcounty.com/ http://www.portlarochelle.com/
Ryanair Société des Régates Rochelaises
http://www.ryanair.com/site/FR/ http://www.srr-sailing.com/
Aer Arann The General Humbert's Irish Pub
http://www.aerarann.com/fr/ http://www.generalhumbert.com/
Irlande Tourisme d'Affaires Chamber of Commerce CCI
www.irlande-tourismedaffaires.com http://www.larochelle.cci.fr/
Tourism Ireland Congress Center
http://www.tourismireland.com/ www.espacescongres-larochelle.com/
Royal Cork Yacht Club La Rochelle infos
http://www.royalcork.com/ http://www.larochelle-info.com/
Saling Holidays in Ireland Going out in La Rochelle
http://www.sailingireland.com/ http://www.larochelle-inside.com/
   
 
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