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The Nautic Forum 2026 aims to be more than just an institutional event. In Saint Malo, the Confédération du Nautisme et de la Plaisance is betting on a format that combines feedback, foresight and technical issues related to coastlines, uses and nautical equipment. At a time when ports, shipyards and sailors are having to cope with climate change, regulatory changes and new uses, the event aims to provide a forum for dialogue between the various nautical families.
A yachtswoman from the world of ocean racing to speak on the ground
The choice of Servane Escoffier Burton as the keynote speaker is no mean feat. A sailor from Saint Malo, entrepreneur and manager of the BE Racing team with Louis Burton, she embodies both ocean racing and the evolution of its business models.
His career spans several major ocean races, including the Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre, the Fastnet Race and the Vendée Globe. His speech will address an issue that is currently affecting the entire nautical industry: the ability to maintain a demanding sporting and technical activity in a tighter economic environment.
The question of the feminization of competitive sailing is also likely to feature prominently in the discussions. For several years now, racing teams have been seeking to diversify the profiles on board, but there are still many obstacles to this, particularly in terms of funding, training and access to professional networks.
And with just a few months to go before the start of the next Route du Rhum from the quays of Saint Malo, the sailor's testimony is bound to resonate with local professionals. Ocean racing remains an economic engine for Brittany's ports, equipment manufacturers and boat maintenance companies.
Nautical innovations under environmental pressure
On Friday May 29, 2026, an entire sequence will be devoted to the technological and organizational ruptures already affecting yachting and maritime activities.
Presentations by BlueNav, Temano, Opti'sea and Littoral énergies partagées illustrate several key trends in the sector. The first concerns the propulsion and energy management of pleasure craft. Between hybridization, electric assistance and optimized consumption, both shipyards and yachtsmen are seeking to reduce operating costs while limiting technical constraints on board.
But these developments still raise a number of practical questions for sailors. Real autonomy, recharging in ports, battery weight, maintenance of electrical systems and compatibility with existing hulls remain sensitive issues.
Another issue addressed was the adaptation of coastal infrastructures. Rising sea levels and more violent weather events are already forcing us to think about port structures, anchorage areas and coastal protection equipment.
The Nautic Forum aims to bring together industrial, technical and local approaches to these issues.
Marinas and changing usage patterns
The presence of the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan, Loire Atlantique Nautisme and regional representatives also shows that marinas are seeking a new balance.
The yachting industry is evolving rapidly. Managers now have to deal with larger boats, more seasonal traffic and growing demand for quayside technical services. Boaters' expectations are also changing. Connectivity, electrical terminals, waste management, access to rapid maintenance and soft mobility solutions are becoming important criteria in the choice of a marina.
But land constraints in coastal areas make port expansion difficult. Many French ports have to optimize their existing infrastructures, with no possibility of significant expansion.
Discussions around territorial strategies should therefore be of interest to local authorities and yachting professionals alike.
Nautical training and renewal
The arrival of new participants from Les Glénans, sailing federations and the academic world reflects another concern in the sector: the renewal of practitioners and skills.
The French nautical industry is looking to attract younger profiles in technical trades, maintenance and port activities. However, there are growing needs in refit yards, marine electronics, composites and on-board energy systems.
On the yachting side, sailing schools and associations are also observing a change in practices. Shorter cruises, rental and shared use are making headway against the classic boat-owner model.
The Nautic Forum could thus become a useful forum for understanding how the industry is trying to adapt to these new behaviors.
Saint Malo confirms its role in the maritime economy
The choice of Saint Malo to host this first edition is not merely symbolic. The corsair city remains one of France's leading centers for ocean racing and professional nautical activities.
With its port infrastructure, specialized companies and proximity to major ocean races, the town has a strong maritime base. Holding the Nautic Forum just a few months before the Route du Rhum further reinforces this dimension.
On May 28 and 29, 2026, the Palais du Grand Large will host an event that goes far beyond the mere calendar of events. Behind the conferences and round tables, the whole question of the economic, technical and environmental future of French boating will be discussed.
