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The boating industry is entering a period of profound transformation. Environmental pressures, changing usage patterns, economic constraints, the energy transition and the adaptation of infrastructures are forcing the industry to review its business models.
It's against this backdrop that the Nautic Forum 2026 will be held on May 28 and 29, 2026 at the Palais des Congrès Le Grand Large in Saint Malo. At the initiative of the Confédération du Nautisme et de la Plaisance, the event aims to bring together all players in the sector around a central question: what will boating look like by 2035?
Climate change becomes a concrete issue for ports and coasts
The first issue addressed during the forum was the direct impact of climate change on marine infrastructures. Rising sea levels, erosion of the coastline, an increase in extreme weather events and tensions over coastal uses are already modifying the management of ports and marinas.
For local authorities and port managers alike, the investments ahead are likely to be substantial. Some ports are already having to adapt their quays, protective structures and technical networks to cope with the risks of submersion and more frequent storms.
These developments concern both large marinas and small local structures. The presence of representatives from CEREMA, the Fédération Française des Ports de Plaisance and the Association Nationale des Élus des Littoraux illustrates the importance of these territorial development issues.
Decarbonization of the yachting industry accelerates in shipyards
Another central theme of Nautic Forum 2026 will be the industrial transformation of the shipbuilding industry.
Electrification of propulsion systems, eco-design, recycling of composite materials and emissions reduction are gradually becoming priorities for automakers.
The sector still faces several major technical challenges. Pleasure boats still require long autonomies, high power ratings and energy-hungry equipment, making it difficult to move quickly away from combustion engines.
But manufacturers are stepping up the pace.
The participation of players such as Groupe Beneteau and Ruban Bleu Electric Boats shows that thinking is now moving beyond the experimental stage. The subjects of batteries, recycled materials, end-of-life management and new engines are becoming increasingly important in industrial strategies.
Behind these technical developments, there is also increasing regulatory pressure, particularly at European level.
Boating habits are changing fast
The Nautic Forum also aims to analyze the changing relationship with the sea and nautical practices.
For several years now, the industry has been witnessing a transformation in yachting behavior. The traditional model of ownership is gradually evolving towards more flexible uses: rental, boat clubs, shared navigation or occasional use. New generations are often looking for experiences that are easier to access, with fewer maintenance or management constraints.
This evolution directly modifies expectations with regard to boats, ports and nautical services. Professionals must also respond to more diversified uses. Yachting now rubs shoulders with expectations linked to sustainable tourism, local leisure and outdoor activities.
In some regions, the question of the environmental acceptability of water sports is also becoming more sensitive. The forum will seek to compare the views of sports federations, tourism operators, local authorities and manufacturers.
Technological innovations are already reshaping the industry
Last but not least, the program includes a reflection on the technological breakthroughs affecting the boating industry.
Connected navigation, automated maneuvers, onboard artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance and intelligent energy management are gradually transforming modern boats. These technologies concern both large and small craft.
Manufacturers are now seeking to integrate propulsion, electronics and software into complete ecosystems. This trend is bringing boating ever closer to the models already seen in the automotive and aeronautical industries.
But these innovations also raise a number of questions: integration costs, cybersecurity, user training and technological dependency.
Saint Malo as a symbol of maritime challenges
The choice of Saint Malo was not an insignificant one. With its focus on ocean racing, yachting and maritime activities, the corsair town is a focal point for many of the issues addressed during the forum.
Brittany is directly confronted with the issues of coastal management, energy transition and adaptation of port infrastructures. The presence of elected officials, institutional representatives and heads of federations also reflects a desire to go beyond technical debates.
Because behind the environmental and technological issues, it's the overall economic model of the yachting industry that is entering a transition phase. And for an industry that represents tens of thousands of jobs in France, the decisions taken today will probably have a major impact on yachting over the next decade.
