France, an attractive market for recreational boating

Despite 2023 being slightly down from the previous two years, the French yachting industry remains a strong area of opportunity in the France recreational boating market.

With 5,700 km of coastline, France is among the favorite European destinations for recreational boaters. In 2022, a record year for recreational boating in this nation, the boating industry’s turnover reached €5.4 billion and an export rate of 80.6%. These figures underscore the vitality of the marine industry trends in France, which continue to draw attention from enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

Summer 2023

Although French boating remains strong, the Federation of French Marine Industries (FIN) noted a slight decline in boating tourism in France during the 2023 summer season compared to the previous two years. Maritime leasing saw a minimal decrease in short-term rentals, while river leasing experienced a sharper decline. In the charter business concerning recreational boating, France has fallen to fourth place in Europe since 2022, with a market share of 18% compared to 33% in 2015.

Tourism

After two exceptional years, during the summer of 2023, tourism activities related to recreational boating were slightly down, partly due to weather conditions. Brittany, the South of France, and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region were the most popular vacation destinations, showcasing the enduring appeal of boating tourism in France.

Yacht construction and boat fleet

New boat registrations were numerous in the first half of 2023, although down slightly compared to the previous year. Today, shipbuilding, maintenance, and trade account for more than 50% of French recreational boating sales, followed by services and marinas. The yacht construction in France remains a vital part of the industry, with the South of France hosting a substantial share of companies, employing nearly a quarter of the workforce and accounting for 21.3% of sales.

The Pays de la Loire region follows with 20.8% of sales, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine contributes 19.3%. Over 9,000 people are employed in the construction of yachts and leisure boats, further highlighting the importance of the French yachting industry. In terms of export value for recreational shipbuilding, France is ranked third globally, behind the Netherlands and Italy.

According to ICOMIA’s classification, the total French nautical fleet in 2021 amounted to 1,296,017 vessels, including 210,346 sailing units, 200,990 inboard or I/O motor units, 613,371 outboard motor and rigid units, 209,410 pneumatic units, and 61,900 PWCs.

Training

Much attention is given to training aspiring boaters. According to FFVoile, the French Sailing Federation, nearly 1.5 million people have taken courses in this area, 41% of whom are women. This emphasis on education reflects the marine industry trends in France, which prioritize both skill development and inclusivity.

Exhibition events with an international scope

In France, great interest is shown in exhibition events. The International Multihull Show, held between April 3 and 7 in La Grande Motte (Occitanie), has become a worldwide reference for catamaran, trimaran, sailing, and motor industry professionals. The next edition will take place from April 23 to 27, 2025.

Nautic en Seine, the new Paris boat show, is scheduled for April 1 to 6, 2025, and will serve as a hub for the French yachting industry and international marine businesses. Key themes will include the future of maritime and river boating, digitization, and ecological transition, which reflect marine industry trends in France.

Additionally, FIN focuses on promoting French recreational boating abroad. Between October 3 and 5, 2023, the federation organized a pavilion dedicated to France at IBEX in Tampa, Florida, and will do so again between October 1 and 3, 2024. In Amsterdam, during November 15 to 17, 2023, the federation expanded its French pavilion by 7%, which will return on November 19 to 21, 2024.

Properly managing the end of life of vessels

France remains at the forefront of sustainability through initiatives like APER (Association pour la Plaisance Eco-Responsable). This organization, created by FIN and approved by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, manages the dismantling and recycling of end-of-life recreational boats.

In July 2023, APER launched a tender to select recycling centers for the 2024–2026 period. Of the 60 companies that applied, 50 received approval, expanding the network of centers for boat disposal across metropolitan France and its overseas territories. The effort reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with marine industry trends in France.

Promoting vocational training and employment

The Federation of French Marine Industries also emphasizes vocational training and employment. With 43,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect positions, the French boating industry is a major employer. Companies are actively filling 1,500 new roles, using programs like school-to-work alternation to attract talent.

To address labor shortages, FIN launched the “The Nautical Team is Recruiting” campaign, aimed at youth and adults seeking career changes. A dedicated portal connects employers with potential employees, reinforcing the dynamism of the France recreational boating market.

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