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With two months to go before its launch, the Nautic Forum clarifies its positioning. Held in Saint Malo, the event brings together decision-makers from the public sector, industry and the nautical sector to discuss the question of how uses and infrastructures will evolve by 2035.
A convergence between the nautical industry and public decision-makers
The list of first speakers shows a willingness to cross approaches. Representatives of the French Nautical Industries Federation, the French Sailing Federation, coastal councillors and marina managers all took part in the discussions, a diversity that reflects the structuring of the sector. Yachting is not limited to boat production. It involves territories, infrastructures, public policies and uses.
For professionals, this pooling of resources means that constraints can be aligned. Economic development, pressure on coastal land, access to ports - these are all issues that go beyond the strict framework of navigation.
Coastline and climate: impacts already visible
The first day of the forum deals directly with the effects of climate change on coastal zones.
Erosion, rising sea levels, changing navigation conditions: these phenomena are already impacting ports and waterways. Infrastructure needs to adapt, whether it's quays, mooring areas or access points. For port managers, this means heavy investment and long-term planning. For yachtsmen, it means changes in conditions of use, particularly in exposed areas.
Boating trends to 2035
The forum also provides an insight into future usage. Pleasure boating is evolving, with more occasional practices, an increase in rental and a diversification in the types of craft used. New generations are approaching boating differently. Less focused on ownership, more on experience. This has a direct influence not only on boat design, but also on the organization of nautical bases.
Discussions will focus on this balance. Maintaining attractiveness while guaranteeing accessibility and limiting environmental impact.
Industrial transition and technical constraints
The second day focuses on transformations in the industry. Decarbonization, eco-design, recycling: these topics are becoming structuring factors. For shipyards, this means reviewing materials, industrial processes and supply chains. Propulsion is also evolving, with electric, hybridized and veliac solutions.
But these transitions pose a number of constraints. Costs, autonomy, recharging infrastructures, user acceptability. The forum is designed to bring these realities face to face.
Marinas, between saturation and adaptation
Ports remain a focal point. With berth saturation, boat turnover and changing services, port management is evolving.
Port managers will have to adapt their models. Optimization of berths, development of onshore services, integration of new motorizations. For yachtsmen, this means more complex access conditions, but also changes in the services offered.
A structuring event for the industry
With this first edition, the Nautic Forum has established itself as a forum for exchange between players who are not always accustomed to working together. The choice of Saint Malo, a maritime and port area, reinforces this logic. Situated between the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, the town offers a coherent setting for tackling these issues.
Ultimately, this type of event helps to put current developments into perspective. And for professionals and yachtsmen alike, it gives a clearer picture of the changes to come on pontoons and on the water.
