A thesis on the Breton nautical sector
Originally from Guilvinec, bathed by the maritime environment, Maxime Turck studied successively economics and geography. PhD student in the geo-architecture laboratory of the University of Western Brittany in Brest, he is now preparing a thesis on the nautical craft industry in Brittany. "I like boating through practice and I wanted to approach a production sector. It was a way of marrying these two interests" explains the researcher. The thesis, directed by Nicolas Bernard, a teacher-researcher in Quimper in charge of the master's degree in coastal tourism, should be defended in 2021.
Boating, a structuring element of the Breton coastline
Through the boat builders, Maxime Turck intends to draw useful lessons for other sectors. He also wants to highlight the interest of the nautical sector and ocean racing for the region. "Boating is an entry point for questioning the economic development of coastal areas in Brittany, through a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There is a concentration of companies and skills, particularly in the south, different for example from the Vendée, where a large company dominates. The importance of ocean racing is also a specific feature of Brittany, with interest from the public authorities. The idea is to see the contribution for the territory, not only in terms of turnover or employment. This could be a source of inspiration for other players or sectors, for example the rapidly developing marine renewable energy (MRE) sector" indicates Maxime Turck.
Surveys of yachting professionals
The researcher's work involves the collection of testimonies. Precise surveys have been carried out through questionnaires sent by e-mail to companies. Maxime Turck has also recorded about twenty interviews with professionals. "Once the appointment has been made, which is not always easy with the busy schedule of SME managers, the reception is good. The interlocutors take the time to answer my questions," the researcher is delighted.
Although no popularised version is planned to date, the results of this research work could be of interest to the entire French boating industry.
