During the World Yachting Summit in Monaco, we interviewed Thierry Voisin, president of the European Committee for Professional Yachting, one of the most active associations in Europe in protecting the interests of professional yachting. During his panel on lobbying, Voisin launched a very clear alarm: current environmental provisions, although necessary, are making it seriously difficult for yachts to travel freely, especially in countries like France. For this reason, according to the president of the ECPY, it is fundamental to find a solution that includes all industry associations.

A SECTOR IN DANGER

“The topic for the panel in which I was a moderator – said Thierry Voisin to Daily Nautica – was on lobbying. This is an essential topic for yachting because the yachting sector is in danger nowadays. This danger is in the environmental provisions which are imposed everywhere, not just in Europe. Because of these rules, yachts are finding it increasingly difficult to travel. If we can’t find a solution soon, one day, boats will only be able to sail inside ports.”

“The country where this problem is most noticeable – notes Voisin – is France, where I live and have to work with the authorities. I strongly believe that we need to get all the associations together, including the ECPY for which I am president, and take concrete action. We are not against sustainability, also because this is how we protect our planet, but we need to find a solution that combines economy and environmental applications.”

By Valerio Caccavale