Advice on how to choose a boat that suits your activities.

When acquiring an inflatable or semi-rigid boat, several points should be considered: the choice of the material, type of use, the choice of the hull, maintenance, repairs and storage.
As regards materials, there are mainly two types: PVC and hypalon-neoprene. The basic difference is that PVC is a thermoplastic, whereas hypalon is a synthetic elastomer. The second is not, as some preconceived ideas would have us believe, a natural rubber, not very resistant to the outdoor elements: it is a synthetic rubber. Its positive points are low sensitivity to the sun (UV), temperature, stains (especially from hydrocarbons), being supple and resistant (to chafing). Its main disadvantage is its use. It is cut on machines, though assembly and bonding are done cold, by hand. As for PVC, it allows for boats to be produced industrially. Cutting, assembly and bonding (high frequency) are done with the help of machines. PVC construction enables builders to mass-produce boats that are light, with an irreproachable finish. The disadvantage consists of higher sensitivity to UVs as compared to hypalon. In short, hypalon is reserved for intensive use of all-weather boats.
PVC is used for the majority of pleasure boats, enabling the production of light boats at attractive prices. Used, maintained and wintered under normal conditions, their life cycle will be close to that of hypalon. It is often hard to actually see the difference between the two materials. Even a professional has to look at them closely, at the bonding, for example, or the type of additional fabrics (handrails etc.): on hypalon, you can detect small threads. It is worth knowing that over 80% of inflatables are currently made of PVC, and that it is preferable to envisage construction in quality PVC rather than in hypalon of unknown origin. The future will perhaps be polyurethane, a resistant material, easy to work with and recyclable, which is not the case for the other materials. It is beginning to appear on the market, but at a price that is still high. The quality of fabric is hard to judge, though one criterion can steer your choice between two brands: the fabric’s gramme weight. Between two identical boats made by different brands, you should opt for the one with the highest weight. Gramme weight is expressed in decitex, with values from 1,000 to 1,800.

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Source: Figaro nautisme

Faced by challenges and a period of doubt, professionals are learning to adapt.

After many long weeks of uncertainty and rumours around the pontoons, the organizers of the Cannes Yachting Festival have confirmed the 2020 edition while accepting “a probable decline of about 30% in the number of boats on show as compared to last year”. Europe’s largest boat show afloat will in fact take place from September 8th to 13th, in two separate sites: the Old Port and Port Canto. Meanwhile, the Southampton Boat Show, an essential gathering for British boat enthusiasts, has preferred to throw in the towel this year faced by the nervousness of major yacht-builders. Much earlier on, the Monaco Yacht Show had decided to postpone its 30th edition until 2021. Based on reasoning that a large part of the fleet of Super-Yachts is currently to be found in the USA and the Caribbean, thus complicating the normal agenda of activities. On site, however, yachting professionals are pulling long faces: they fear losses in their turnover and consider the decision as abject, given the fact that Cannes Boat Show has been confirmed.
Informa, the owner of the Monaco Yacht Show, is defending itself by betting heavily on the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) at the end of October, in the USA. The flag-bearer of the American boating industry, this giant event encompasses the entire boating universe from dinghies to super-yachts. But here again, one may well wonder about the healthcare crisis across the Atlantic this fall, and the US economic situation, just a few days before the the Presidential election in early November! 

In Europe, and within specific contexts, yachting fans and professionals will nevertheless have something to dream about after the summer holidays with a few fine sail and motor boat novelties.From September 29th to October 4th, direction La Rochelle with its “fishing”, “sailing” and “surfing” scoops, prior to the Genoa Boat Show from October 1st to 6th, largely devoted to the latest offerings from Italian boat-builders. This event will be followed by the Barcelona Boat Show from October 16th to 20th, also perhaps in a lighter version. As for the “Salon Nautic de Paris” scheduled for December in a brand new configuration at the Porte de Versailles, it is probably too early to talk about it. Exhibitors are expected to confirm at the last minute, preferring to wait for the first results and figures from the autumnal events. The key word this year being… adaptation!

Source: Figaro Nautisme

Fans of peacefulness and solitude can discover a few spots in the Var still little-known to the general public…

Vallon des Carmes
At the edge of the commune of Barjols and the River Fauvery, the Vallon des Carmes is a corner of paradise, forgotten by most, and known only to a few curious souls. Isolated and cool, it protects the historic remains of the convent of Les Carmes, dating back to the 17th century. These ruins are reached via troglodyte grottos. Don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of the bats which are particularly fond of this cool shady place.

The surrounding area offers steep cliffs topped by waterfalls in which you can cool off. Take care, however – they are really chilly! Explorers of the site report water from 15 to 17°C. If you wish, signposted paths invite you to explore the hills. Serious hikers should not forget proper shoes, as you can climb up to the Croix du Castellas where the land is sometimes slippery. Once at the top, you will enjoy a superb panoramic view of Barjols.

If you are not interested in water, waterfalls and ruins, you can shelter in shaded nooks where fully equipped landing-stages await you.

Access
To reach the site, simply drive to the commune of Barjols where a large car-park at the very centre of the town invites you to abandon your car and discover this corner of paradise. Be careful, the path already starts to wind, but it will be one of the most delightful souvenirs you take away from the Var. On your return, visit the medieval village of Barjols so as not to leave too quickly the solitary, timeless getaway offered by the Vallon des Carmes.

Source: Figaro Nautisme

Boating lies at the heart of the field of action to be covered by Annick Girardin, who will need to share her decision-making authority between numerous topics.

Since the announcement of the creation of a Ministry of the Sea within Jean Castex’s new government, all observers have been waiting for official decrees defining the attribution of responsibilities. An official announcement now determines the fields of action attributed to the new Minister, Annick Girardin.
Her overall assignment is defined as follows: “The Minister of the Sea sets and implements Government policy in the various aspects of the field of the sea, national and international, notably with regard to the maritime economy, maritime renown and influence.”
The Minister will exercise powers related to navigation, security, training, seafarers, yachting and nautical activities. She will be responsible for marine spatial planning. In areas related to fishing, she will share her responsibilities with the Ministry of Agriculture, while pursuing co-supervision of underwater resources with the Ministry of the Economy, and transport, ports and protection of the marine environment with the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
To carry out her assignments, Annick Girardin will exercise authority over the management of Maritimes Affairs.

100% responsibility for boating
While the challenge of organizing co-supervision could be complex in a certain number of fields, the boating sector should be spared from this risk of administrative haziness. Annick Girardin is, in fact, the sole person responsible for boating and nautical activities. Sailing-related services will also be able to benefit from her support, as she is “associated with the policy for coastal and offshore tourism and the formulation of tax legislation related to coastal and offshore activities.”

Source: Boatindustry.fr

Consult the legislative text organizing the end of the public health emergency:

The FIN would also like to pay tribute to the work carried out by Elisabeth Borne over the past three years under the direction of Edouard Philippe.

During this time, the French marine industry, represented by the “Fédération des Industries Nautiques” (FIN), was recognized as an essential component of the Blue Economy. It has now been integrated into preparatory work undertaken by the “Comité Interministériel de la Mer” (CIMER) and participates in sectors of the sea, tourism and sport industries.

Today, the sea and all maritime players have finally obtained their own ministry. Much more than a symbol, the new Minister’s personality sends an excellent message in an uncertain economic context.

“Highly pragmatic, with a ready ear, Annick Girardin is a politician who is committed to forging ahead with dossiers, and who is aware of the importance of our country’s nautical capital,” says Fabien Métayer, Delegate-General of the FIN. “She is well-acquainted with the sector’s economic players after working with them, particularly on the occasion of the last Paris Boat Show that she inaugurated. Her appointment will inevitably transpire within a context of economic contraction due to the COVID crisis. Over the past few weeks, the FIN has made requests for the nautical sector to benefit from specific stimulus measures. A few days ago, the Minister for the Budget gave his agreement in principle at the National Assembly. We are waiting for the new government to now bring his support to fruition.”

Source: Fédération des Industries Nautiques