The French nautical industry set to take advantage of an improving market

4 September 2009 No Comment

Press Release
After a decade-long period of growth, the French nautical industry experienced a sharp downturn in the autumn of 2008, which affected all markets throughout the 08/09 season. At a time when various indicators seem to suggest that the worst of the recession is now past, the French market is showing strong resistance, with its businesses demonstrating a real ability to adapt.

§ Dynamism and reactivity

In the first six months of 2008, companies operating in France’s nautical industry saw their markets shrink, a phenomenon that was intensified by the financial crisis of September 2008. Every segment of the market was severely affected throughout the 2008/2009 season.

New boat registration figures (Source: French Department for Maritime Affairs) over the period between September 2008 and July 2009, nonetheless show the French market is resisting the crisis well (-17.46%), whereas some European countries have recorded downturns of over 50%. This trend is borne out by figures for the second-hand market, which has recovered to some fluidity (+2.7%), a revival due in large part to a downward adjustment in prices.

There are two main factors to explain the relatively good health of the French industry:
French firms went into the crisis from a position of relative strength, and have demonstrated an ability to defend their business by unveiling a large number of innovations and new features, in some cases twice as many as in previous years.
The fundamentals remain strong: recreational sailing and water sports continue to attract enthusiasts in 2009. The rental market appears particularly dynamic, whilst the majority of French marinas have been very busy, with some recording stopover figure increases of up to 10%. Trade and maintenance professionals and distribution networks have been reporting a satisfactory year.

The 2009/2010 season therefore opens with a feeling that the worst of the downturn has passed, and there are grounds for optimism going into the autumn trade shows. There is a similar outlook at the Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show (9 to 14 September) and the Grand Pavois Boat Show in la Rochelle (23 to 28 September). Despite the difficult context, these two major French meetings will, as every year, offer the public a chance to see the many new products displayed by the world’s biggest names in sailing and motorboating.

§ The environment, a concern at every stage in a boat’s life cycle

For some years now, the French nautical industry has placed great importance on ensuring environmental concerns are reflected in its development approach, at every stage in a boat’s life cycle. Several measures have been taken, in three key areas: industrial facilities, boat use and end-of-life.
It is with this in mind that the French Nautical Industries Federation launched the Bateau Bleu programme in 2005:
Upstream: Bateau Bleu award, to support research and development
Boat use: Bateau Bleu label, to promote environmentally friendly boats and equipment.
End-of-life: Creation of the APER (Association for Environmentally Responsible Sailing).

Nautical industry professionals are firmly convinced of the need to forge ahead with the efforts already undertaken. Recreational sailors are the cornerstone of this approach. It is vital to continue working in the same direction, to increase awareness among the general public about the need to act in an environmentally responsible way.

The French Nautical Industries Federation is also strongly committed to the construction of a European federation, to reflect the need for environmental issues to be tackled on a Europe-wide scale.