The forecasts of the Boating Market Monitor released by the company Deloitte, an annual report on the pleasure boat sector, may have come as no surprise. The shipyards and companies in the yachting value chain already had a sense of the trend, thanks to burgeoning orders. In the toughest year of all, 2020, apart from the delays caused by production lockdown, the data point to a growing worldwide market, up by 1-2%, in contrast with an average slump of 20% in the wider area of all luxury goods. Rising international demand has led to turnover of almost 25 billion euros in the retail segment of new constructions, with a nominal increase of 11% over 2019 (+8% real growth). Furthermore, during the period 2020-21 an increase in global demand in ‘yachting charter & brokerage’ produced an outlook for growth of 5-7% over the upcoming five-year period.
A positive trend for the years to come, where the leadership comes from Italian shipyards in the superyacht sector, with 407 boats under construction, out of a worldwide total of 821. Overall production value is equal to 2.8 billion euros, with average growth of 12.7% (CAGR 2014-19), in an industrial mix that focuses on medium-large motor yachts (90% of domestic production). Without overlooking the fact that exports continue to represent the main channel for our country, with a quota equal to 86% of national production.
Events not to miss
Professionals and buyers are now gearing up to discover increasingly seductive, innovative and green products and trends, at some of the most important international trade fairs for this sector. All the fairs have confirmed their schedules. It begins with the Cannes Yachting Festival (7-12 September), the first fair of the season and the most important in Europe, which will welcome about 600 boats, 430 exhibitors and over 140 world premieres this year. Meaning growth of 10% over 2019.
Yacht people gather here from around the world, including companies that present their new creations. The fleet is moored at the Vieux Port, one of the oldest on the French Riviera, and at Port Canto, at the end of the Croisette; there is also the more recent Sail Area, presenting single and multiple-hull sailboats. Don’t miss that parade on 11 September featuring vintage and modern day boats, with a length of less than 12 meters (Concours d’Elégance).
In Genoa, from 16 to 21 September, the 61st Boat Show opens, with organization by Confindustria Nautica, representing the excellence of Made in Italy while offering an international reference point. With an area of over 200,000 square meters of outdoor space, on land and sea, this event moves forward with its new format as a multi-specialized fair. A container of four exhibitions, complementary but also having individual identities at the same time. TechTrade, on components and accessories; Sailing World, for sailboats, as the name implies; Boat Discovery, for the world of outboard motor boats; Yacht and Superyacht. At its second year, the Design Innovation Award also returns, divided into 9 categories to recognize nautical excellence and to reward innovation.
The Monaco Yacht Show (22-25 September) has also developed a new format for the end-users of superyachts. Almost 60 will be on view, including 40 very new launches from some of the most famous shipyards, joining the annual habitués. The participation of 300 exhibitors has been confirmed. The new Dockside Area, for companies directly involved in the construction or management of superyachts and tenders, will be open only to private clients during the day of Wednesday 22 September, before being open to all the next day. The zone is linked to Port Hercule, the site of theme exhibitions, and to the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, a new space for the presentation of yacht design projects, also offering interaction with the designers themselves.
Next we go overseas, to Florida, at the 62nd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, from 27 to 31 October, for an overview of the latest new developments of all sizes. The Superyacht Village and the tourist marina host boats almost as large as 300 feet (90 m). Visitors can also see a medley of products and accessories to improve the nautical lifestyle: AquaZoneTM is the attraction to offer visitors a personal, direct experience of a wide range of aquatic sports.
Returning to Europe, the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (1-2 December) is the main fair devoted exclusively to cruise ship décor, already looking forward to welcoming over 200 of the most innovative suppliers in this sector. This is a gateway for interior designers, architects, decorators, shipyards and suppliers of interiors, to come into contact with European cruise companies working on major projects of refurbishing and new constructions.
