Ajaccio Nautical Fair returns with 100 boats

Approximately 100 boats will be on display at the Charles Ornano port during the fifth edition of the Ajaccio Nautical Fair, organized by the local city and port authorities. The event will run from Thursday, October 15, to Sunday, October 18, offering visitors the chance to explore new and used vessels, interact with industry professionals, and even take test drives on the waters of the Ajaccio Gulf.

Focus on nautical industry professionals

Paul Corticchiato, director of the Charles Ornano port, emphasized that the fair continues to highlight the socioprofessionals of the nautical industry in the region. The event aims to showcase both new and used boats while emphasizing the broader ecosystem, including shipbuilding, maintenance, training, safety, and marine environmental protection. Around 15 companies are expected to participate, covering various aspects of the industry.

Economic significance of nautical activities

Corticchiato noted the importance of the fair in raising visibility for nautical activities in Corsica, particularly in the Ajaccio area, which has a population of over 100,000. The Charles Ornano and Tino Rossi ports together accommodate more than 1,300 berths. According to a 2022 study, Ajaccio has 103 nautical-related businesses and 497 jobs, representing a significant portion of the island's industrial employment.

Commercial success and visitor numbers

The fair is a key commercial event, with sales reaching nearly 8 million euros in the 2024 edition. Last year, the amount was closer to 4 million, though about 20 boats were sold out of 111 displayed. The event is expected to attract visitors from Corsica and the mainland, with the timing coinciding with the All Saints' Day school holiday. The Charles Ornano port has seen a significant increase in overnight stays, from 1,500 twelve years ago to nearly 39,000 this season.

Environmental initiatives at the port

Marine environmental protection is a key focus for the port and its partners, including organizations such as the SNSM, Blue Flag, Alliance Posidonia, and Clean Ports. The port has installed pollution alert sensors and a robot called the Jellyfishbot to collect floating waste. A new boat washing station using demineralized seawater is set to open in June 2027, powered by solar panels and designed to operate independently.

Event schedule and additional news

The fair will be open on Thursday, October 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, October 18, it will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free entry. Other unrelated news includes an administrative court case involving the Abattoir of Porto-Vecchio, high school students in Bastia pushing for better facilities, and the French Cup with Christophe Vincent returning to Furiani.