24 DECEMBER 2015 | International Boat Industry http://www.ibi-plus.com
Markets & Regions
UK | BOATBUILDERS
and a 47ft model under construction, plus a 40ft
motorboat. “We’re enjoying some strong enquiries,”
said MD Nigel Stuart, formerly of Discovery Yachts.
“Our main markets remain the UK and Europe, but
the USA is showing interest in the new 47,
which is styled very much in the classic
tradition, and can be sailed short handed.
American buyers really appreciate the
luxurious hand-crafted hardwood interiors,
and our semi-custom approach.”
Spirit Yachts is also investing in
infrastructure, with a new construction
hall of 150ft x 50ft and a door clearance
of 22ft. The company is also increasing its
presence on the boat show circuit including
Düsseldorf and London, Cannes and
Monaco, and Southampton. “The Asian
market isn’t a fast sell, as yachting is still
largely unknown there, with only really
Hong Kong as a viable market in that region
at the moment. But there is definitely
movement in the market and certain sizes are
showing activity.”
Meanwhile, Hamble-based Fairlie Boats, a
specialist in the classic refit and new build sector, has
described 2015 as a ‘difficult year’ but have completed
one two-year new build and is now looking to expand
its marketing campaign. A Fairlie 55 owner racing in
key classic regattas is being of help. “Exposure of the
product in well attended events really acts as a useful
marketing tool,” said CEO Duncan Walker. The yard is
also building a steel houseboat with a classic interior,
and is continuing with refit and restoration work.
“It’s been a blinding year,” enthused Peter Thomas,
the CEO of Cornish Crabbers. His company builds
traditionally-styled GRP sailing yachts from 19ft-30ft,
with the bulk of sales from the smaller models.
“Our 19-footer has been a best seller for years,
with 1,100 boats sold to date, so we recently updated
it with the new 21-footer, based largely on customer
feedback. We have sold 21 since May 2015. Whilst
most have been to the UK, we sold two at the
Hamburg boat show, with over 50 good enquiries.
Bearing in mind this is a £50,000 boat, we have been
delighted with the European interest. It shows that
European buyers are still willing to buy a hand-
crafted item despite the poor exchange rate.”
Also in the classically-styled small boat sector
is Drascombe Boats, whose MD Simon Harwood
described the pre-election period as ‘challenging.’ A
successful Southampton Boat Show largely mitigated
a poor summer. “Things are picking up for us,” he
told IBI. “We’re rekindling our network in the US
with a possible new dealership. Refit work has been
strong, and filled the gaps between new builds. We
have noticed a lot of people stepping down from
larger cruising yachts as they get older, and are once
again enjoying the freedom that a low cost, low
maintenance and easily-sailed boat can offer.”
DINGHY SECTOR
Leading the rallying of the British OEMs is the dinghy
sector, where two brands have particularly excelled.
These are Oxfordshire-based Laser Performance, and
Southampton-based RS Sailing.
The Laser brand is legendary, but with over
210,000 boats produced to date, and resale values
as low as £200, how does the company still sell new
builds? Easily, according to sales executive Simon
Ogden. “The racing can be fanatical, so the owners
want every advantage. Older boats gradually absorb
water and lose rigidity, so are regularly replaced to
keep the competitive edge. As such, we are selling
2,000 new Laser 1 models a year, and that figure is
increasing by about 10% annually, with the bulk of
the sales going to Europe.”
Ogden has also reported a similar increase in
the sale of the Sunfish brand of paddleboards,
also manufactured in the UK, and the company is
increasing staffing levels and infrastructure to keep
pace with demand. Laser is also increasing its dealer
network, and working closely with the ISAF to make
sailing affordable in developing overseas countries.
Also experiencing growth is RS Sailing following
the launch of the RS Aero in March 2014, and has
since delivered 800 boats from its UK factory with
many more on order. The popularity of a series of
events held worldwide illustrates the growth of the
class. “The RS Aero is a defining moment in the
sport of sailing,” explained Riki Hooker, business
development director of RS Sailing. “Modern design
and technological advancements mean that exciting
single-handed sailing is highly accessible, and can be
enjoyed by a range of ages and abilities.”
Hooker is keen to point out that the UK’s strong
currency isn’t really a factor in making or breaking
sales, as RS has a very strong distribution network
where currency differentials are managed.
“Our strongest region of growth this year is still
Europe and North America, linked closely to some
carefully timed launches, such as the RS Aero.”
There are currently 17 sailboats in the range, for
beginners right through to high performance racing.
RS Sailing export worldwideSCornish
Crabbers says 21
units of its new
21ft have been sold
since May 2015TRS Sailing:
Technological
advancements mean
that exciting single-
handed sailing is
highly accessible