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A high-potential but under-exploited sector
According to available figures, the world's superyachts represent some 6,000 units over 20 meters in length, 50% of which sail off the Côte d'Azur every year. In the South of France alone, the yachting industry generates an annual economic impact of 2.1 billion euros, and more than 10,000 direct jobs. Yet only 152 yachts are registered with the Registre International Français (RIF), which puts France in 26? place worldwide in terms of flags.
By way of comparison, the town of Antibes, with its emblematic Quai des Milliardaires, currently has no ships flying the French flag. A situation that professionals consider to be an economic, fiscal and social loss.
A regulatory framework deemed unsuitable
One of the main obstacles is the lack of dedicated legislation. The very term "Grande Plaisance" does not appear in French or European maritime regulations. As a result, professional sailors aboard yachts are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement. What's more, some yacht owners prefer to sail under "exotic" flags (Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, Malta), encouraging social and fiscal dumping that undermines French competitiveness.
Thomas Kieffer also condemns approximate accounting practices that place legal risks on shipowners, against a backdrop of rare controls.
Towards a collective agreement for superyachts?
To remedy this situation, Edge is proposing the creation of a specific collective agreement for the yachting industry, covering sailors, non-marine on-board personnel and shore-based employees. All would be attached to the ENIM (Établissement national des invalides de la marine), which would strengthen the contributions of this historic scheme and ensure better social protection.
Such a measure would put an end to dependence on foreign contracts and restore France's rightful place in the social and environmental governance of this sector.
Marseille as a driving force
Based in Marseille, Edge aims to embody this new dynamic. With nearly 300 employees and consolidated sales of 12 million euros by 2025, the company defines itself as France's leading yacht management company. Also present in Cannes, Dubai, Mauritius and Florida, Edge promotes an ethical and responsible vision of yachting, based on crew well-being and transparent management.
A strategic opportunity
For Thomas Kieffer, the stakes are twofold: to capture an economic activity that is already well established on the French coast, and to restore France as a driving force in a segment that combines luxury, innovation and sustainability. "France deserves a development strategy dedicated to the Grande Plaisance segment", he asserts.
Visit the link to support and follow this call for mobilization.
