The more mature the market is, the more popular smaller yachtswill become. This is a rule of thumb in the yachting industry that isnow taking shape in the Chinese market.
During the China (Shanghai) International Yacht Show in April, thenumber of smaller yachts shorter than eight meters in length thatwere sold showed a 43 percent year-on-year increase. Thibaut deMontyalon, director of the French sail and motor manufacturerBeneteau, said the four models of his company's smaller yachtswere the most featured this year.
Hubei Sanjiang Boats Science and Technology Co sold threesmaller yachts at prices ranging from 65,000 yuan ($10,603) to358,000 yuan during the four-day boat show. Silver Marine(Shanghai) Co sold 12 P580 yachts worth a total of 6 million yuan.Sea Lord International received six orders for smaller yachtspriced at 350,000 yuan each.
Thomas Dammrich, president of the National MarineManufacturers Association of the United States, said during aforum at the yacht show that owning a private yacht is not a way ofshowing off wealth in the United States. It is more of a recreationaltool for middle class families and social echelons above them. As amature yacht show, the rising number of smaller boats exhibited indicates that the industry inChina is developing according to the general rules of the yachting industry.
Smooth Marine Equipment Ltd, based in Hong Kong, sold eight jet skis during the yacht showand received another 10 orders. The sales were up 10 percent year-on-year, according to MayY.M. Chan, director of the sales and marketing department of the company.
There is more than one reason. First, Chan said the jet skis are from Bombardier RecreationalProducts, which is a well-known brand that easily wins over buyers. Second, sales of smalleryachts will easily outshine those of luxury boats during a slowing economy in which people haveto be careful with their recreational budgets.
"It is also very important to notice that the rising middle class in China has prompted the shift. Agrowing number of them would like to lead a healthy lifestyle and smaller yachts can help themto realize that goal," she said.
The market in China, especially in the Yangtze River Delta region, where there is abundantwater, is expanding so rapidly that Smooth Marine set up a Shanghai office in July last year,noticing the demand.
"Because we are creating two more sub-dealers this year to bring the total number to 13, wehope sales revenue in China will go up by 15 percent," said Chan.
The recently issued Outline for National Tourism and Leisure will provide much room for thefurther development of the yachting industry in China, said Yang Xinfa, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry.
"Recreational yachting and equipment manufacturers are very likely to be the first industries tobenefit from the policy," he said.
Lyu Anni, marketing director of BAFS Yacht Sales Co Shanghai, said sales of smaller yachtsranging from 200,000 to 400,000 yuan are almost as good as those that cost more than 10million yuan.
The company sold more than 10 small yachts last year, seeing an almost 20 percent increaseyear-on-year. The small yachts, which are about four to five meters in length, sell especiallywell at BAFS Yachting.
"These relatively cheaper yachts are mostly used nearby. Most of the customers areindividuals," said Lyu.
Hu Xiaoming, sales director of Visun Royal Yacht Club in Sanya, said yachts ranging from 40 to50 feet (about 12 to 15 meters) in length had good sales last year. But he also warned that "themore expensive a yacht is, the fewer the number of people will buy one," especially when theeconomy is not that promising.
Lars Petersen, general manager of Jebsen Marine, is also very happy to see sales of smallerboats rising in China although their company specializes in the sales of super luxury yachtssuch as the British brand Fairline.
"Although the marinas are not full of yachts at the moment, you see more and more of them. Itis also fun with smaller yachts. The attraction starts with jet skis, which are quite fun too, andmoves on to maybe even some locally produced yachts," said Petersen.
"It is important that the whole industry including small boats, sailing yachts and large yachtsmoves forward and develops," he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment