A world unique ecosystem
On the western coast of France, Brittany has always naturally faced the sea. The Breton coastline offers amateur and experienced sailors alike a vast field of navigation to test equipment and compete in singular conditions. The region is the cradle of competitive sailing for a considerable number of famous sailors (Eric Tabarly, Armel Le Cléac’h, Charles Caudrelier, Franck Cammas, Michel Desjoyeaux, François Gabart…). It is a land of demands and performance.
A strong, lively economy
All over Brittany, one economic sector has left its wake in the landscape: competitive sailing. The ecosystem is dense and complementary. It is composed of more than 160 industrial and service companies, 200 teams and sports projects, research laboratories …. giving birth to exceptional Formula 1 of the seas. It also brings diversified know-how (materials, structural calculation, architecture and construction, equipment, electronics, digital) to many other Breton sectors, starting with the nautical sector, but also renewable marine energies, aeronautics, naval and space. Today, the region is known throughout the world as one of the references for excellence in the sector, under the flag “Bretagne Sailing Valley”.
Eurolarge Innovation a regional supporting programme
BDI, through its Eurolarge Innovation programme, funded by the Region Bretagne, networks the players in this sector through meetings and exchanges. It facilitates their development around 3 axes:
- the internationalization of know-how,
- support for new nuggets and innovative projects,
- the dissemination of technologies to other industries.

Services offered
The Eurolarge Innovation programme, funded by the Brittany Region and steered by Bretagne Développement Innovation, brings together the stakeholders in the competitive sailing sector. It facilitates their development around 3 axes:
- the support for new nuggets and technological innovation,
- the dissemination of technologies to other industries, and
- the internationalization of know-how.
The Eurolarge Innovation programme is also an entry point for foreign structures wishing to develop business with the Bretagne Sailing Valley.
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Testimonials
“The Sailing Valley or the valley of sail, I think it’s really good. And it brings attention that sailing is very high priority here and you want to be part of something like that. It’s actually very unique here (…). So there are some lessons to be learned”. Gary Jobson, vice-president of International Sailing Federation (World Sailing)
“It is my first time here and the experience is just unbelievable, this is just a mecca for sailing, yes it is certainly the Sailing Valley !” Randy Draftz owner of Charleston Yachting and Regatta Management. Race organiser.
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