A global market driven by North America and a heterogeneous European market
For the first time since 2009, the 2013/2014 global yachting market should enjoy slight growth, driven by the dynamism of the North American market, despite the decline in certain countries such as Brazil, Turkey, Russia and China.
In Europe, the market situation is quite disparate. Even if the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom are on an encouraging path, this is not the case for Italy, which is still in difficulty. In Spain, the sector is beginning to simmer.
In France, despite the resistance of the players, a third year of decline is expected. On the new car side, registration applications are down by 5 to 7%. The second-hand market is enjoying a slight increase of 2 to 3%. Overall, sales of new and used boats are expected to increase slightly. On the other hand, the number of licenses issued in 2013 reached its highest level since 2008 with 94,000 obtained.
Weather conditions did not reduce the practice rate
On the Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, boating was relatively sustained, despite the weather conditions, which were less beautiful than last year. In the Mediterranean region, the season was good and sailing was stable despite changing weather conditions which had only a slight impact on the level of activity.
Contrasting commercial activity
In the spring, activity was quite good, but has not been maintained this summer. Even if the number of sales outlets is high, the customer is looking for services above all, at the best price, in order to make the most of the business.
On the rental side, the year proved to be stable with a large concentration of catamarans. Despite a difficult start in the summer, the season ended with a higher level of activity in the fall. In the French overseas territories, the season was good for most of the year, thanks in particular to foreign customers from Eastern Europe.
River tourism is doing well, with the number of rental weeks increasing. Two trends are emerging: last-minute bookings and those made well in advance.
In terms of yachting, the number of visitors to the French coastline is clearly declining, with a 30% drop, notably due to repeated regulatory changes. Neighboring European countries are much more attractive due to their tax system.
Finally, the sailing schools were well attended and in the board sports, the stand-up paddle is still the reference, more accessible thanks to the development of inflatable boards.
Year in Review of the Marine Industry
What we can remember is that boating is more and more based on seasonality and is concentrated on a few weeks. The practice is diversifying, boating is no longer the only activity, joined by fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, boarding activities such as kite surfing and especially stand-up paddle, which is becoming the must-have sport of the season. Finally, customers are mainly looking for services at the best price and in France, the border regions are subject to stiff competition from neighboring European countries thanks to their lower taxes.
