Embracing the Future of Boating through Sharing Economy: Cannes Yachting Festival Takeaways

This week, we visited the Cannes Yachting Festival. This premier event is a showcase of the latest and greatest in the boating world. As a team dedicated to the future of boat sharing, we went with a clear mission: to see how the sharing economy is being embraced by the marine industry's biggest players. It was an eye-opening experience.

We were excited to see forward-thinking boat manufacturers like Axopar and De Antonio Yachts leading the way, with their boat club setups run through their dealer networks. We also met with MEROS, who continue their impressive journey in the fractional yacht ownership space, a clear sign that even the premium segment is moving toward more flexible models. These innovators show that the traditional model of boat ownership is evolving. Leading brands are beginning to understand the value of shared access, flexibility, and experience over ownership.

Beyond a few innovators, we didn't see any other boat clubs. The major global players, like Freedom Boat Club and the French Wizyboat, were not visibly present with their own stands. We didn't see dealers actively promoting the "sharing economy" as a solution. In a market where boat sales are weakening and dealers are facing a significant inventory glut, this was a startling observation.

How can unsold boat inventory be monetized through sharing? Read below

Why are dealers not embracing the boat club model?

The signs are everywhere. The sharing economy has transformed nearly every other industry, from transportation to hospitality. For many, boat ownership is a significant financial and logistical burden, and a boat club offers the perfect solution: a stress-free, cost-effective way to get on the water.

And yet, while so many are talking about this shift and claiming it is the future of boating, still, nothing happens.

We believe it comes down to a few key challenges that have traditionally stood in the way:

• Complexity: Running a boat club is a whole different business from selling boats. It requires specialised tools for managing bookings, memberships, payments, and boat maintenance.

• The "Ownership" Mindset: For decades, the industry's business model has been built on selling a physical product. Shifting to a service-based model requires a fundamental change in strategy and thinking.

• Lack of the Right Technology: Without a robust boat club software platform, managing a fleet of boats and a growing roster of members is incredibly difficult and inefficient. This is where the old way of doing things simply can't keep up with the demands of a modern boat club.

At MOXSEA, we believe the answer is right in front of us. The sharing economy isn't just a trend; it's the future of boating. It's a way for dealers to unlock a new revenue stream, monetise their unsold inventory, and attract a new generation of boaters who are less interested in ownership and more interested in experience.

This is why we're doing more than just building boat club management software.

We understand that for many, the journey to a boat club model can seem daunting. That's why MOXSEA is also committed to helping businesses make this critical transition. We offer dedicated consultancy support to guide new and aspiring boat clubs every step of the way—from creating the initial concept and shaping your business model to designing efficient operations and effective member management.

We hope this hands-on approach will accelerate the transformation that the industry so urgently needs.

Our visit to the Cannes Yachting Festival was a powerful reminder that while some are still waiting, the future of boating is already here. We're proud to be at the forefront of this movement, helping innovators and entrepreneurs build and scale their boat-sharing business with confidence.

Let's build the future of boating together.