Cap d’Agde: Nautical Antics and a Gala Evening for the Ages
Ah, Cap d’Agde! A place known for its sun, sea, and sailors who often seem more comfortable in their speedos than their suits. This year, the Palais des Congrès was the glamorous setting for the 25th anniversary of the Salon Nautique du Cap d’Agde—a milestone that surely deserves more than a mere splash in the Mediterranean but maybe a cannonball into the deep end of celebration!
On October 30, 2024, the Belvedere was decked out to celebrate this milestone that, let’s be honest, might make even the Titanic a little jealous—though hopefully without the sinking part! The event was graced by local dignitaries including Sébastien Frey, mayor of Agde, who presumably had a lot of nautical puns swimming around in his head—though, bless him, he probably kept them to himself during speeches.
Alongside Frey were notables like Patrice Canayer, a regional councilor of Occitanie who—let’s hope—spends less time counting council votes and more time counting fish; whilst Pascal Pintre, the general director of Blue Invest, was looking as blue as the Mediterranean itself. I mean, if he gets any bluer, we might need to call in a life guard!
No gala would be complete without a curator—enter, Liliana Costanza, ensuring everything remained shipshape. And let’s not forget Sylvain Pereyre, president of the Association of Nautical Professionals, who probably knows more about pontoons than I know about my own family tree. Seriously, your family might not float, but boats sure do!
Now, let’s talk about the man of the hour—Éric Péron, the evening’s sponsor. Péron seemed to have taken a trip down memory lane so nostalgic it might as well have had a “no wake” sign up. The Cap d’Agde Méditerranée Tourist Office decided to dig up some old press releases, and voilà! There he was, the young sailor who had once raced alongside his brother in 1998, finishing up on the podium. It’s touching, really, and definitely more emotional than every rom-com I’ve ever regretted watching.
After the grand speeches (which, let’s be real, had all the suspense of waiting for paint to dry), the guests—who were probably as thick as thieves—flocked for drinks and chatter. You know, that lovely moment where everyone pretends they can hear each other over the swell of clinking glasses and general nautical enthusiasm. This is the point in the evening where the pros and exhibitors got to mingle and perhaps haggle like it was a bustling market off the coast of some far-flung isle.
So, here’s to 25 years of the Salon Nautique du Cap d’Agde—a gathering that proves no matter how hard life gets, there’s always room for a little sea salt and camaraderie. After all, if you can’t find joy in the waves, you might just find your ship capsizing… and nobody wants that!
Cap d’Agde: Gala evening for the 25th anniversary of the Boat Show
Pulsating with elegance, the Belvedere of the Palais des Congrès served as the stunning backdrop for a magnificent gala evening dedicated to commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Salon Nautique du Cap d’Agde, held on the evening of Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
The gala was graced by dignitaries including Sébastien Frey, the mayor of Agde who also presides over the Hérault Méditerranée Agglomeration, Patrice Canayer, the esteemed regional councilor for Occitanie, and Pascal Pintre, the general director of Blue Invest in Sète Cap d’Agde Méditerranée. Notable attendees included Liliana Costanza, the curator of the Show, Sylvain Pereyre, the president of the Association of Nautical Professionals, and Éric Péron, who proudly took on the role of sponsor for this milestone edition.
For Éric Péron, a seasoned sailor with a wealth of experience, the evening was tinged with a deep sense of nostalgia.
The Cap d’Agde Méditerranée Tourist Office took a heartfelt journey down memory lane by uncovering archival materials that detailed Éric Péron’s early sailing career. Among the cherished finds were press releases and results from a young sailors’ competition in which he participated back in 1998, proudly sharing the podium with his brother. These treasured memories, presented by Laurence Richard from the Tourist Office and Laurent Bourriquel, the director of the ports of Cap d’Agde, transformed the evening into a deeply emotional experience for the sailor.
Following the official speeches, the festivities continued with a vibrant drink reception, allowing guests including sector professionals and exhibitors from the current edition to connect and celebrate together the rich legacy of this iconic nautical event.
Photos Michel Desnos for the Journal L’Agathois
**Interview with Éric Péron, Sponsor of the 25th Anniversary Gala at Salon Nautique du Cap d’Agde**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Éric! Can you describe what it meant for you to sponsor the 25th anniversary of the Salon Nautique du Cap d’Agde?
**Éric Péron:** It’s an incredible honor. Celebrating 25 years of such a beloved event, especially in a place that holds so many fond memories for me, feels surreal. I started sailing here years ago, and to be part of this milestone is truly special.
**Editor:** You mentioned fond memories. Can you share a moment from your sailing past that stands out during your time at Cap d’Agde?
**Éric Péron:** Absolutely! I fondly remember racing alongside my brother in 1998. We finished in the podium standings, and it was one of those moments that really solidified my love for sailing. Recalling those experiences tonight brought back a wave of nostalgia.
**Editor:** Speaking of nostalgia, how did the gala evening reflect the spirit of the nautical community here?
**Éric Péron:** The gala was all about celebrating togetherness—bringing together industry professionals, enthusiasts, and local dignitaries. You could feel the energy in the room, a genuine camaraderie that mirrors the waves of the Mediterranean. I think that’s what makes this annual event so special; it’s not just about the boats, but about the people who share this passion.
**Editor:** We saw quite the gathering of dignitaries and industry leaders at the event. How important is this network for the future of nautical events like this?
**Éric Péron:** It’s crucial. The support and engagement from local government officials like Mayor Sébastien Frey and others help foster an environment where maritime tourism and nautical sports can thrive. Collaboration among regional stakeholders is key to bringing innovation and sustainability to the industry.
**Editor:** After tonight’s successful gala, what are your hopes for the next 25 years of the Salon Nautique?
**Éric Péron:** I hope it continues to grow and evolve, attracting even more visitors and exhibitors. It would be wonderful to see it adapt to new trends in sailing and marine technology while keeping the traditional spirit alive that we all cherish. There are always new horizons to explore!
**Editor:** Thank you, Éric! Your passion for sailing and this event is truly inspiring.
**Éric Péron:** Thank you for having me! Here’s to many more exciting years at Cap d’Agde!
