This is a major new market for Astus Boats, a shipyard specializing in the manufacture of transportable trimarans, with 500 units sold in Europe. After initial unsuccessful contacts some ten years ago, Astus Boats has returned to the U.S., this time forging links with Maryland-based distributor Red Beard Sailing. The association of the two partners has hit the nail on the head. Jean-Hubert Pommois, founder of Astus Boats, which employs 9 people in Brech in Morbihan, announces: " Red Beard Sailing is proactive, and our latest model, the 22.5 trimaran designed by VPLP Design, is positioned in a segment that is not very present and buoyant in the United States, between the beach dinghy and the cruising boat. "
The rise of the nomadic lifestyle
However, as in Europe, American customers are currently rethinking their approach to sailing Nomadism is also on the rise. Not being dependent on one port means lower costs. We can see that customers are starting to rationalize their choices, which is something of a novelty across the Atlantic."
The Annapolis Sailboat Show, held at the beginning of October, put the spotlight on this model, in the running at World Sail for the Boat of the Year award in its category. Jean-Hubert Pommois remains cautious: " Orders are pouring in. The figures are not yet consolidated, but at least we're going to make up for the slowdown in the yachting market. It's likely that we'll be able to increase our sales significantly over the coming months... "
"We are competitive in the American market."
Another buoyant factor is the economic context, which is also playing a key role. The exchange rate of the dollar and the return to earth of sea freight rates are giving a boost to export strategies. As Jean-Hubert Pommois observes: " The difference in VAT between the USA (8%) and France (20%) almost makes up for the extra cost of freight. We're competitive. "
But Astus Boats has no plans to relocate, drawing its skilled workforce from just a few kilometers from its yard: " We work a lot with Afpa in Auray, particularly in the polyester and laminating trades." Astus Boats has a special feature: a significant feminization of its workforce. In fact, women have become the company's majority by a narrow margin.
