Home > The maritime sectors > Pleasure BoatingPleasure Boating
As the global leader in the production of sailboats, inflatable boats and boardsports equipment and the world’s fourth in motor boat production, French nautical industries employ a proactive strategy aimed at adapting to the new economic situation whilst consolidating their dominant positions. French nautical production rose in the nautical year 2010/2011, with an increase of 10.7% in the period September 2010/August 2011 from the previous year, amounting to 901.47 million Euros (54,548 units). Export remains the industry’s mainstay (66.6% of production versus 63.2% the previous year). The domestic market is driven mainly by continued high levels of public interest in sailing and related activities, as evidenced by:
The pleasure boating economy…*
Despite the crisis, interest in nautical activities has not diminished, as shown by the crowds attending major sailing events, whether for sport (La route du Rhum), leisure (Fête du Nautisme) or business (boat shows in Paris, Cannes, La Rochelle, etc.).
On the water spor ts front, so - cal le d "fashionable" activities such as stand-up paddle surfing, rowing and sea kayaking, kite surfing and wakeboarding are seeing a real spike in interest.
Maritime and river rentals are also attracting ever more impressive numbers. France, thanks to its long and diverse coasts, large network of navigable waterways and ever greater rental options, meets the expectations of demanding pleasure seekers comprehensively. Sailing...*
Facilities*
Institutional bodies
The Supreme Council of Boating and Water Sports consists of 46 members representing the widest range of skills in the sector. Its aims cover design, coordination, consultation and impetus for the sector. Its actions in boating affect all areas of our societ y in terms of economy, development, environment, employment, security, tourism, education, recreation and sport. Its work contributes to the structuring and development of water activities, helps to develop the legislative and regulatory framework, promotes good practice and boosts the sector. It seeks to support change. www.csnpsn.developpement-durable.gouv.fr
The French Federation of Marinas (FFPP) is an associative organization which represents 301 members from coastal and inland waters (rivers, lakes and canals) represented, at national level, by elected representatives of eight regional associations or affiliated unions from the coasts of metropolitan France and the French overseas departments or territories. The FFPP defends the interests of its members and advises them on technical, legal and social aspects. The Federation is supported by a "Club of Partners" which for 20 years has brought together the main companies engaged in the management and equipping of marinas. The FFPP participates actively in promoting the nautical sector through the Committee for Development of Marina Capacity (CODCAP), which was created in conjunction with the FFPP. The actions of the FFPP are also evident in the links established with other Mediterranean countries with the support of Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Morocco and Algeria. The FFPP chairs the Odyssea European Cooperation Grouping (GEC Odyssea) which is formally supported by ANEL (National Association of Coastal Local Authorities), ANMSCCT (National Association of Mayors of Classified Resorts and Tourist Communes) and is a member of the marinas Committee of the ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) which represents marinas at world level.
FIN, the French Nautical Industries Federation, works to support, represent and promote the different sectors of France’s nautical industries at home and abroad. FIN currently has 600 members. As part of its commitment to strengthening its regional visibility alongside professionals in the leisure marine industry, and providing them with close support and advice, FIN is rolling out a network of local partners. It is also taking part in local events and developing regional dialogue with local communities and coastal institutions. By doing so, FIN aims to play a growth driving role in nautical activities, particularly by identifying solutions to the shortage of marina berths, and by working to promote sailing all along the country’s coastline. At the national level, FIN is contributing to the development and practice of water-based leisure activities, by making them accessible to the widest possible public. It has initiated events such as "La Fête du Nautisme" and owns Nautic - the Paris International Boat Show, and the Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show. FIN recognizes the significant global presence of France’s leisure marine industry, and is intensifying its efforts in the international arena to promote exports and French expertise, open its trade shows up to a wider international audience and attract overseas clients to France. FIN is a founding member of the EBI (European Boating Industry) and an active member of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations).
The Yacht Club of France was founded in 1867 by Napoleon III to assist the development of pleasure boating and boatbuilding. Established in Paris in order to be close to the major institutions, it still plays a role in defining and implementing the overall pleasure boating policy. In this regard, it is the interface between the bodies in which it participates (CSPSN, etc.) and its allied clubs established on the coasts of France. Now more than ever it has the task of conveying to the new generations of leisure sailors the great seafaring values derived from all naval traditions.
Pleasure boat building and services
Couach, Innovation and French ‘Yacht Couture’ for more than 100 years. Since 1897 on the site on the Arcachon Bay, the leading French shipyard Couach, designs made-to-measure yachts constructed by over 250 craftsmen. Besides yachts, the Couach shipyard designs military patrol and surveillance boats in composite materials. The globally recognized qualities of its military range and the reliability of its yachts rest on 4 generations of naval know-how. The company is now a mature brand. In the post-war years, Couach launched the industrially built boats whose exceptional marine qualities made the yard’s reputation. Gradually, the yard has developed different ranges of boats and its production is now focused on two types: • Patrol boats and coastguard vessels for French and foreign naval administrations. • Yachts, with models ranging from 23m-yachts to 50m super yachts.
Iguana Yachts has designed a new mobility system enabling its boats to be launched without using other equipment. No need anymore for trailers or moorings, as the Iguana Mobility System can clear the last hundred meters between the sea and the closest dry mooring or access a remote beach.
Luxmarina SAS is a dedicated centre of excellence serving the yachting and maritime industry. Luxmarina SAS offers high-end solutions for marina design, construction and management on the French Riviera and worldwide.
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