Local marine leisure providers gained a valuable understanding of French maritime businesses when they visited Finistère in western Brittany last month.
The three-day trip focused on sharing best practices, innovation ideas and developing partnerships to support the sustainable development and growth of the marine leisure sector in the Atlantic area.
Cornwall Marine Network members on the trip included South West Lakes Trust, International Metre Yacht Management, the West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust in Newlyn, and Surf Action.
The group gained a unique, behind-the-scenes, insight into the vibrant marine activity that dominates this coastal pocket of France. They toured watersports outlets, boatyards and tourism centres, speaking to French counterparts from those working on the shop floor to local dignitaries responsible for supporting and promoting an industry that is central to their economy.
John Lambourn, of West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust, commented: “We can learn a lot from each other and the different ways both sides of the Channel approach development of maritime leisure.
“France needs more private investment and we need to take a more strategic approach and develop policies to join up and give cohesion to our efforts. Two heads are always better than one.”
