Yachting in France

There is 1 yacht for every 67 inhabitants in France. France is the only country in Europe where yachting, and sailing in particular, is developed at the highest level. The maximum number of sailing races and regattas is held here every year. France has a huge number of professional skippers of the highest level. Most of the world famous yachtsmen-racers, who carry out heavy round-the-world voyages and win prizes in prestigious competitions, races and regattas, are from France. A large number of sailing schools and yacht clubs are concentrated in France.

The maritime yachting industry in France is the most developed in Europe, and even the middle class here is actively engaged in yachting and can afford a small yacht, unlike many other countries where only very rich people can afford a yacht.

The 6,000 km of beautiful French coastline makes yachting in France a tempting destination for boaters around the world.

There are many charter agencies in France that rent yachts for any length of time. You can choose any yacht to your taste and budget, with or without a skipper and crew.

4.5 million French yachtsmen sail an average of 3 weeks a year. Family sailing is very popular with the French. They swim in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, in the English Channel.

Every year there is a tendency of declining interest in regattas in favor of cruise voyages.

The weak point of the French yachting industry is the lack of ports. There are only 470 of them in France. They cannot accommodate all yachts in France. In addition, not only the French themselves, but also foreign tourists sometimes leave their yachts in French ports.

There are 5,000 shipyards in France that produce 23,500 yachts annually.

02.03.2011