after a dark year, the nautical industry regains hope

In a buoyant economic context, boosted by the desire for travel of customers after the restrictions linked to the Covid-19 crisis, the Paris 2021 International Boat Show was organized long before the arrival of the Omicron variant and has been maintained. Its size is up to expectations: 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, however reduced by 20% compared to the last edition in 2019. No swimming pool or beach this year but boats for all tastes.

This is the sixtieth edition of this Boat Show and a big comeback because the event was canceled last year. Nearly 780 exhibitors made the trip and 200,000 visitors are expected until Sunday 12 December. By the admission of the president of the Federation of nautical industries, Yves Lyon-Caen, the sector has not experienced such health since 2008, considered the golden age of the nautical industry. It was before the great international financial crisis. The actors have been operating at full capacity since last summer. order books are full for the next two to three years.

The recovery is observed in all countries and this 2021 Boat Show is expected by a wealthy clientele, of course, for all types of boats. This takeover is welcome for the sector, which groups together 5,600 companies in France and employs some 43,000 people. Companies that hit the bottom of the wave last year. Global turnover plunged more than 10% to 4.7 billion euros. Hope returns for this sector which exports about 80% of its production.

But if the signals are green for 2021, the nautical industry remains cautious for the coming year. The sector is also affected by raw material supply problems and by the disruption of logistics since the health crisis. Finally, there are still difficulties in recruiting: the sector lacks manpower. Notice to amateurs.