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Methodology and panel
The study is based on a representative sample: 2âeuros¯015 people from the general population (aged 15 and over) and 1âeuros¯820 pleasure boaters. It offers a precise overview of practices and intentions at a pivotal time for the industry.
Who are the French when it comes to water?
Of the 57âeuros¯millions of French people aged 15 and over :
- 2.3âeuros¯millions sail regularly âeuros active boaters.
- 9.7 million sail occasionally.
- 28âeuros¯millions are not browsing, but are interested âeuros of which 3.6âeuros¯millions are "âeuros¯qualifiedâeuros¯" (strong intention).
- 17âeuros¯millions are not browsing and are not interested.
The study clearly distinguishes between a potentially convertible general public, and a solid base of existing enthusiasts.
A priority target: aspiringâeuros¯ and occasionalâeuros¯ customers
According to the results, securing the loyalty of occasional sailors appears to be a particularly promising lever for the industry. Beyond that, it's the aspiring âeuros â?" those who don't yet sail but show an interest in âeuros â?" who represent a major growth reserve.
The stakes are twofold:
- Transform curiosity into regular practice, rather than trying to convince French people who are little or not at all interested.
- Propose adapted access routes and formats to encourage recurrence and attachment to the practice.
Boating as a leisure activity: one of many, but increasingly appealing
The FIN / Ifop study shows that French yachtsmen are often multi-leisure profiles: they practice outdoor sports, travel as well as water sports. These practices testify to an attraction for escape, the outdoors and nature, as opposed to the intensive practice of team sports.
When we ask the general public about nautical activities, we notice a keen interest in certain forms: day sailing, gliding, light sailing or kayaking, which are more accessible and less demanding than a boat several meters long.
Identified obstacles: cost, access, logistics
But the study also points to a number of real and persistent âeuro barriers to entry into yachting:
- 73âeuros¯% of nonâeurospracticians cite cost as the main obstacle.
- 64âeuros¯% mention mental workload (boat management, maintenance, logistics).
- 61âeuros¯% cite lack of access to infrastructure (berths, availability).
- Added to this are lack of time, the remoteness of nautical areas, or lack of experience.
These factors explain why a large segment of the 28 million aspiring âeuros have yet to take the plunge.
Expectations: simplicity, flexibility, experience
To attract both aspiring and occasional âeuros, the study highlights several key expectations:
- Affordable, simple, low-commitment offers: rental, pooling, daily or short-term formulas rather than ownership.
- Turnkey services: easy boarding, escorting, equipment rental, assisted navigation.
- Easy access to âeuros, whether in terms of cost, time, organization or technical constraints.
According to the study, boating can be positioned as a leisure activity offering freedom, nature and escape âeuros an alternative to other leisure activities, with a strong appeal to urban and mobile populations.
Implications for industry: rethinking business models
For manufacturers, construction sites, rental companies, infrastructure providers and âeuro services, the study sets out clear specifications:
- Develop usage-based offers (rental, sharing, shared fleet, subscriptions) rather than an ownership-based model.
- Focus on simplicity, modularity and minimal maintenance: easy-to-use boats, simplified fittings, delegated maintenance
- Adapt communication: target aspirants, emphasize experiences, pleasure, accessibility and escapism rather than prestige.
- Invest in infrastructure (ports, marinas, easy docking) to remove logistical access barriers.
 Towards a new era for French yachtingâeuros¯?
The FIN / Ifop study confirms what many had suspected: the yachting market no longer relies solely on boat owners or regular yachtsmen, but on a large pool of potential enthusiasts â?" aspiring and occasional yachtsmen.
The key for the industry? Transform this reserve into real growth, by focusing on flexibility, accessibility, simplicity and models adapted to new lifestyles.
The challenge has been set. To meet it, the nautical industry, services, ports and distributors are going to have to adjust âeuros but also innovate. The potential is there.
