3-13 Dec 2004. The Salon Nautique is under way for 300,000 boating enthusiasts and marine trade professionals with its 823 exhibitors and 1,200 boats, 300 of which are new models.

The Salon Nautique is in its 44th year and the theme of this year is freedom, as well as ecology and innovation.

A specially designed hydroplane will be on show along side other state-of-the art crafts like Eric Tabarlys mythic Pen Duick II, winner of the 1964 Transat, and the Americas Cup class BMW Oracle Racing.

Beginners courses, games and things to discover in the childrens beach club and ecological awareness are devoted to the shows younger visitors. For the adults, 2004 is marked by the return of a special area devoted to fishing. It is also be granting pride of place to ocean oarsmen and skippers, to whom tributes will be made.