The nautical sector is growing worldwide
The year 2015 has been a rather remarkable year for the last ten years. Because it is the first time since the crisis of 2009, that simultaneously, the North American market (particularly the United States) and Europe are running smoothly! They are the carriers of a general growth.
In South America, the crisis is deepening in Brazil and in Australia, the year is not one of growth, due to the crisis in raw materials.
Today, 85% of the world's yachting business is driven by the United States and Northern Europe. For the first time, growth is in the order of 4 to 5%. And the entire industry is benefiting, except perhaps for services.
A dynamic North American market
For the North American market, both OEMs and engine manufacturers, growth was up 5% overall last year. And according to indicators, the growth seen last year is expected to continue in 2016.
We know that the market depends on the ambient climate, which is heavy at the moment. Nevertheless, with the American market growing at 4 to 6% and the European market growing faster than the US, the context is favorable for the marine market to continue its evolution.
The upturn in France
In 2015, France experienced a first year of stabilization. Since 2012, the new boat market has been in persistent decline, even though the second-hand market is holding up. And this year, new boat registrations have increased by 1%. "This good trend continues through the fall shows, let's see if it will be the case for the Nautic" explained Yves Lyon-Caen.
The market for boats under 30 feet (9.144 m) is quite active and that of 30-40 pies (12.192) quite dynamic. This shows that the small boat market is regaining a certain tone.
France out of step
The French market is out of step with the other European markets. The Spanish and Italian markets have picked up this year, while the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Germany have already recovered.
"This weak dynamism compared to European neighbors is perplexing" explains Yves Lyon-Caen. Everywhere, the economic situation is the same: low growth rate, high unemployment, stagnant income... In Italy, the situation is comparable to that of France, yet the "Italian Nautica and the Italian yachting industry have returned to growth.
Develop a boating development plan
" Communities must see boating as a development plan" explains the president of the FIN. "In Italy, the VAT rate has been lowered on short-term rentals, the country has taken measures to simplify and reduce taxes for boaters, which has created a favorable climate for the boating sector continues the latter.
To help the boating industry develop its growth, the French Nautical Industries Federation, in agreement with its partners (Confédération du Nautisme et de la Plaisance) will elaborate and develop a development plan for the French authorities. " We need short-term measures and a long-term vision." These measures will be presented at the FIN General Assembly.
French shipyards are struggling to recruit...
French shipyards are entering a new hiring cycle and are experiencing difficulties in recruiting, as Bruno Voisard, director of the Rochefort-based Nautitech Catamarans shipyard, explained. "This is particularly true in La Rochelle and Rochefort, where shipyards are looking to hire, but cannot find qualified people. Those in the trade have left for other sectors with the crisis..."
