the Atlantic multihull boatshow

 The Atlantic multihull boatshow and Lorient: a logical partnership

In view of the technical and financial constraints incurred when exhibiting cabin multihulls in land based boatshows, the creation of a new event afloat is the best solution.  The majority of boatbuilders are on the Atlantic Coast and they needed an exceptional site at the ideal time to showcase their ware and make the boats available for sea trials.
The city of Lorient, with its history, its geographical setting, maritime dynamism, port infrastructure and magnificent sheltered harbour, presented an exceptional opportunity to ensure the success of such a project.
This event fits naturally into the maritime heritage of the town.  Indeed, the history of Lorient is intimately linked to that of shipbuilding.

In 1666, the naval shipyard at Faouëdic launched a 1,000 tons vessel.  The Soleil d’Orient, which gave its name to the town.  In 1690, the Royal Navy took over the premises and establish a long tradition of shipbuilding in Lorient that lasts to this day.
Modern history starts in 1968, with the building of the famous Pen Duick IV, the first large ocean racing trimaran for Eric Tabarly in the La Perrière shipyard.  As far as sailing yachts are concerned, it was, at the time, a total novelty.  The town paid homage to this great sailor in the form of La Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, opened in May 2008.

In 1997, the closing of the submarine base in Keroman seriously affected the town which reacted by adapting it to a brand new maritime vocation.  The base today accommodates, boatbuilders, masts manufacturers, OEMs and, in the first Ocean Racing European Centre called ‘Pôle Européen de Course au Large’, houses Groupama, Foncia and Banque Populaire.
A nautical business park, Le Nautique de Keroman, is also being promoted and has created more than 300 jobs!
In 2008, Banque Populaire V was launched in Lorient.  This 40 metre long and 23 metre wide maxi trimaran has been built as a record breaking machine.

The city of Lorient was therefore destined to host the first boatshow in the world totally dedicated to multihulls in 2010.