Methodology and panel
The study was based on a representative sample: 2,015 people from the general population (aged 15 and over) and 1,820 pleasure boaters. It offers a precise overview of practices and intentions at a pivotal time for the industry in France.
Who are the French when it comes to water? Of the 57 million French people aged 15 and over:
- 2.3 million sail regularly and are active boaters. - 9.7 million sail occasionally.
The study clearly distinguishes between a potentially converti- ble general public, and a solid base of existing enthusiasts.
A priority target: aspiring and occasional 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 millions, those who don't yet sail but show an interest, 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 of boating.
- Boating as a leisure activity: one of many, but increasingly appealing.
The FIN and Ifop study shows that French yachtsmen are often multi-leisure profiles: they practice outdoor sports, travel as well as engaging in watersports. These practices testify to an attraction for escape, the outdoors and nature, as opposed to the intensive practice of team sports.
When we asked the general public about nautical activities, we noticed 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
But the study also points to a number of real and persistent barriers to entry into yachting:
- 73% of nonparticipants cite cost as the main obstacle. - 64% mention mental workload (boat management, maintenance, logistics).
- 61% cite lack of access to infrastructure (berths, availability).
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 French nautical industry, services, ports and distributors are going to have to not only adjust but also innovate. The potential is there.
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 sailors have yet to take the plunge.
Expectations: simplicity, flexibility, experience To attract both aspiring and occasional boaters, 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, 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 as 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 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 yachting The FIN and 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, aspiring and occasional yachtsmen.
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 141
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