Normandie Maritime, the regional cluster for the blue economy created at the time of the merger of the two Normandy regions, is taking over from Filière Nautique Normande (F2N) for the promotion of yachting. Naval architect Vincent Lebailly, its vice-president in charge of yachting, outlines its policy for the industry.
Normandie Maritime has just celebrated its first year. What are its main areas of work for the yachting industry?
There are 4 main axes. The first objective is to enable Norman companies to better communicate with each other and to be seen outside. It is an aid to visibility, particularly at trade shows, such as the stand at the Nautic.
The second goal is to bring them together and create a network and knowledge. The Wettoncraft project is a good example where we are 4 companies from Normandy, with the Shoreteam and AASM shipyards, and my architectural firm.
The 3rd axis is to carry out targeted actions on studies with our members. The current project is the Norman port of the future. We had worked before on the sea base, a floating island.
Finally, we are also working on the support pole. We created in Caen Norlanda, the first nautical incubator 10 years ago, in 2008. I myself benefited from it. This corresponds to our nautical economic fabric with many small structures.
What is the profile of Norman nautical companies?
We have an economic fabric that is very much oriented towards specialized nuggets and high-end know-how. We are seeing know-how being created in amphibious boats. We are also being pulled towards voyage boats by the major shipyards Garcia and Allures.
What are the objectives of the Norman Port of the Future project?
We must renew the nautical offer and its attractiveness in Normandy. We need to increase the turnover of boats and get people sailing. In Normandy, 5 km from the coast, we forget that there is the sea! There are a lot of empty boats and there is a lack of stopover sailing. The objective is to get the yachting industry in Normandy moving, for example those who do not participate in the Passport Escale, because those who suffer are the boat and equipment sellers or the service providers who are directly linked to the activity of marinas. On the port of the future, we are working in partnership with Cherbourg and Ouistreham.
