A sector untouched
by many events
Business as usual in the boatyards, one launch after another and work
continuing apace on orders acquired over the last two years. All
things considered, second thoughts are a pretty rare occurrence with
wealthy owners of large boats. Even if still struggling, the important
American market is picking up; appreciation of the Euro against the
dollar has not become excessive and bar surprises linked to the
upcoming American elections, the situation remains pretty much under
control for those who can afford it. Conversely, despite the
protraction of economic difficulties in the major EU countries, it is
precisely the European market that is holding up and forecasts are
more than positive - as can be seen from the "Super-yacht" survey into
HNWI, high net worth individuals, the famous moneybags, featured in
our Industry Report section. The only unknown factor is political,
linked to the evolution of the Iraqi and Middle East crises and to the
result of the American elections. Everyone is targeting the great
global market; the multiplication of commercial exchanges while public
opinion world wide tends to consider the current battle zones as
simple regional conflicts. Thus, for reasons of image or personal
satisfaction the super-yacht clientele remains active, especially
after having discovered chartering recuperates at least their running
costs. Therefore, the Italian initiative of permitting the inclusion
of pleasure boats over 24 metres on the register of commercial boats
would seem to be more than opportune, allowing them to take advantage
of important tax and social security benefits. The relative
Ministerial decree should be issued by July 2004 and is awaited with
bated breath.
The only obstacle to the multiplication of super-yachts is perhaps the
lack of berths and specialised moorings, added to which is the high
incidence of extra building costs, generated by MCA certification. As
far as concern berths, solutions are being created throughout the
world. In Dubai of all places, they are creating artificial islands in
the Arabian Sea to offer specialised paradisiac Edens to owners.
L.P.
INFORMATION
"Superyacht" is an editorial project of "Nautica" magazine,
addressed to all professional and amateur members of large boats
worldwide. A reference media for all leisure boating operators which
is already an opinion leader.
Created as a section of "Nautica" it has rapidly become a successful
supplement and now it is a separate international English edition with
30.000 copies circulation. It will be distributed on a worldwide
basis in the main marina, in the most important international airports
and in the major newsagents in the capital cities.
It will be published at least four times per year with issues in
March, June, September and December. An order form
is available to subscribe to the english edition. The Italian edition will be
enclosed within the usual 50.000 copies of "Nautica".
The secret of the success of "Superyacht"? Precisely the same editorial
plan borrowed from "Nautica": news, market, techniques,
didactis, designs and opinions.
The subject are the boats over 24 meters and all the world around
them such as: economic and political opinions, market, new trends,
the boats, shipyards, accessories, on board computerization, captains,
tourist ports, marinas, landings, assistance and facilities on land,
refitting, survayer activity, crew, nautical tourism, planning, design
didactics on innovations, technical evolution, certification, leasing,
insurance, international regulations
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION