France: Sailing and motor, opposite evolutions
Yves Lyon-Caen, Chairman of FIN, reported mixed results on the French market during his presentation of the trends for the 2016 season. While yacht sales increased by 3.4% between 2015 and 2016, those of motor boats fell by 3.1%.
The second-hand market in France remains stable after 3 consecutive years of growth, around 60,000 property transfers.
A contrasting global market
While France is stagnating, the European market and its North American counterpart are dynamic with an increase of more than 5%. On the other hand, emerging countries are no longer driving the market. Asia, South America and the Middle East posted lower results
From a global perspective, the market remains on an upward trend. Growth is 3 to 4%.
Satisfied marinas and clubs
Marina attendance is satisfactory at national level, with better results in the Channel and the Atlantic, where the units welcomed are increasingly large. The British are there in numbers. On the other hand, the Mediterranean experiences less favourable climatic conditions than usual.
Fittings stores report a very good start to the year, settling in the spring.
Boat clubs have noticed a strong rejuvenation of their public, unfortunately compensated by the smaller number of adults. The trend towards diversification of activities is confirmed, with the growth of kite-surfing and stand-up paddle courses.
Maritime rental up sharply
Double-digit growth for offshore rental, with +10% compared to 2015. If the services from private individual to private individual are numerous, they struggle to find their profitability according to the Federation of the Nautical Industries.
River rental, where American customers are numerous, suffers from the political and security context.
