The Rouen Armada is the essential event for the tourist attractiveness of the region. This 7e edition, like the previous ones, will be completely free for all visitors. In order to ensure a balanced budget, the “Liberty Armada” association must generate revenue. They come from the organization of receptions for all companies wishing to invite their customers, partners, prospects or staff, but also from the sale of licenses, royalties, or concessions to the event.
A factor of economic attractiveness for the City, the Metropolis, the Department of Seine-Maritime and for Normandy, this event will welcome more than 700 visitors per day who will enliven the shops, restaurants, hotels, campsites and all the surrounding tourist sites.
The Armada, an association of volunteers
The event is supported by a non-profit association “the Armada of Liberty” which is celebrating its 30th this year.e birthday. Chaired by Patrick Herr, its founder, the organization brings together up to 400 volunteers at the height of the event.
The popular success of the Armada, undeniable since its origin, is largely due to the free nature of all the activities offered to visitors: access to the platforms, the activities organized by the exhibitors of the thematic villages, the visits of all the boats present, civil sailboats or military ships, and the concerts organized by the Normandy Region.
The 2019 Armada: an estimated budget of €7 million
The 2019 Armada budget is based on a budget estimate of around €7 million excluding tax. The association is financed almost 40% by local authorities: City of Rouen, Rouen Normandy Métropole, Department of Seine-Maritime, Normandy Region, and of course, Haropa and the CCI of Rouen Métropole. Chartering the sailboats costs approximately more than €2 million.
Security is an important position. Placed under the responsibility of the State, it remains the responsibility of the organizer. However, the organization does not pay the real cost. The State is therefore one of the essential partners of the event. It is present on the quays with a stand to exhibit the different missions of the State in the Region.
For this 7e edition, taking into account the directives imposed by the Vigipirate plan, the amount of the security item has doubled compared to the previous edition. Today it is 1,4 million €.
To balance its budget, the Armada markets services
The sale of licenses, derivative products or contracts with sponsors make it possible to balance the budget: Partners, official suppliers, official carrier... So many national or regional companies which allow the Armada to consolidate its budget.
Armada offers companies the opportunity to organize their receptions on board ships. 154 receptions are today confirmed.
Finally, nearly €2 million in revenue comes from licenses, royalties and concessions in order to balance the entire budget.
Receptions on sailboats: some figures
- More than 200 dockside services on sailboats (morning and evening receptions)
- 18 services on sailboats while sailing
- 20 people invited by companies that have booked receptions
Ships: some figures
- 50 ships present including:
- 24 large civil sailing ships
- 10 large state sailing ships
- 10 military ships
- 6 other vessels: 1 SNSM, 1 tugboat, others to come
