A symbolic milestone... and an invitation to go further
2025 has been declared the Year of the Sea. A wonderful initiative, highlighting our maritime culture, trades, landscapes and history. A legitimate source of pride.
But for those who take to the sea for several months at a time, for a transatlantic crossing, a break from life or a round-the-world sail, this celebration raises other questions: what measures is France really putting in place to support this new way of taking to the sea? And how can we encourage those who dare to take to the sea?
A new look for La Grande croisière
The profile of sailors is changing. Less exclusively made up of seasoned retirees, the crew is expanding to include families, thirty-somethings in search of meaning, and connected workers who make the sea a temporary or long-term lifestyle.
According to the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), sales of cruising sailboats have soared by 15% in five years. A figure that illustrates a growing craze. And sailing communities continue to grow stronger, buoyed by a renewed collective imagination.
France's focus on the sea this year provides an excellent showcase for these departures. All that remains is to transform this showcase into a springboard.
What browsers expect today
These are the needs expressed by frequent sailboat travelers:
- Well-equipped ports of call: technical yards, quality services, refuelling...
- Organized, environmentally-friendly anchorages
- Stable, easy-to-understand regulations
- Digital tools for long-distance travel
- Support services adapted to life on board (education, health, communication)
- Support for eco-responsible on-board solutions
Ports of call, services, moorings: necessary adjustments
In an ideal world, ports of call would be welcoming, services available and anchorages designed to preserve the environment.
In reality, it's often more tense:
- Endless waiting lists for a berth.
- Anchorage zones banned with no concrete alternative solutions.
- Technical worksites that are ill-suited to conditions outside the major nautical hubs.
Testimonial :
" In planning our trip, we realized that many ports are not designed for long stopovers. In the end, we had to call in Portugal for our repairs, more quickly and at lower cost. "- Pierre and Claire, on their way to the West Indies.
What if we were to move away from a generalist approach to cruise planning, inspired by the Canaries, Portugal and even certain Caribbean ports?
It's not a question of starting from scratch, but of reinforcing an existing, often discreet fabric that deserves to be promoted and supported.
Testimonial: " In La Rochelle, we found real support in preparing our transatlantic crossing. The port team gave us good advice, and we were able to carry out our repairs on the spot, without stress. "Sophie and Romain, en route to the West Indies.
Thinking about sustainable, long-distance navigation
Long-distance cruising is not incompatible with an eco-responsible approach. Quite the contrary, in fact. These long-distance travelers often adopt the right reflexes: hydrogenerators, solar panels, waste limitation, respectful anchorages.
A few French initiatives are emerging: eco-friendly buoys, renewable energy-powered electrical terminals, clean careening services. But they remain too isolated.
The Year of the Sea could be a springboard for further action. Why not come up with concrete incentives to equip sailboats, encourage clean technologies and train yachtsmen in sustainable practices?
What if France became a hub for ocean cruising?
Today, the Canaries have understood: they welcome, they train, they support.
Testimonial: " We have often favored Spanish and Portuguese ports for their hospitality and services designed for long-distance cruising. "- Paul and Julie, leaving in 2023 for a circumnavigation of the Atlantic with their children.
The Year of the Sea should not only recount the glorious past of our maritime nation. It can also sketch out a desirable future for the sailors of tomorrow.
France has everything it takes to become a benchmark for hosting large-scale cruises: a varied coastline, recognized technical skills and a genuine ocean-going culture. All we need is a clear direction and an overall strategy.
Testimonial: " In France, there's a real desire to evolve. What we need to do is link up the initiatives to create a real network. "Thomas, long-distance sailor
Could this be the ambition of a National Plan for Grande Croisière? A concerted project, involving ports, local authorities, manufacturers, skippers, nautical players and innovators. A plan that doesn't impose, but listens. One that doesn't idealize, but anticipates.
A National Plan for the Grande Croisière?
The Year of the Sea can be much more than a symbol. It can usher in a new era for yachting and ocean cruising in France. Provided we set sail with ambition, coherence... and vision.
Ports, local authorities, sailors: how about writing the next page of France's maritime adventure together? "The sea is a space of rigor and freedom." - Victor Hugo. So, are we on course for a maritime future that lives up to our ambitions?
