According to the most detailed relevant database, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations -ICOMIA estimates that the top-10 European countries in terms of total marina capacity offer yachtmen approximately 1.43 million berths, with Sweden (500.000 berths), France (253.000) and Italy (181.000) standing at the top of the relevant list.
Sweden records the highest number of berths as well as the highest ratio of berths per kilometre of coastline (155,38). In all Scandinavian countries, yachting is closely integrated into the daily lives of many citizens, with a notable share of residents choosing to live permanently on pleasure boats rather than in land-based housing. In Northern European countries, the popularity of sporting and recreational boating activities contributes to the expansion of their recreational boat fleets. These social and cultural conditions create a strong demand for berthing capacities.
Source: ICOMIA-International Council of Marine Industry Associations, (2023). “Recreational Boating Industry Statistics 2022”. Surrey, UK
Europe represents a significant market for recreational sailing, serving both as a destination and as a source of private boat and yacht owners, as well as charter companies. Marinas are essential for sustaining and facilitating these yachting activities. However, the global lack of standardisation also applies to Europe, resulting in divergent statistics regarding the capacities of the operating facilities. There are only estimates, rather than precise figures.
According to the most detailed relevant database, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations -ICOMIA estimates that the top-10 European countries in terms of total marina capacity offer yachtmen approximately 1.43 million berths, with Sweden (500.000 berths), France (253.000) and Italy (181.000) standing at the top of the relevant list.
Sweden records the highest number of berths as well as the highest ratio of berths per kilometre of coastline (155,38). In all Scandinavian countries, yachting is closely integrated into the daily lives of many citizens, with a notable share of residents choosing to live permanently on pleasure boats rather than in land-based housing. In Northern European countries, the popularity of sporting and recreational boating activities contributes to the expansion of their recreational boat fleets. These social and cultural conditions create a strong demand for berthing capacities.