Bonnier Corporation, publisher of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines, has summed up the results of the past year for «sailing» industry, and suggested what the next one will be. In a recent report, the company describes how 2013 impacted the current state of the North American market.
Overall, it was a good year. First, sailing boat sales were up 5% (5456 boats were sold in 2012 and 5,745 in 2013).
Secondly, the total value of all sailboats sold last year was 18% higher than in 2012 ($484 million versus $411 million). Sailboats ranging in size from 26 to 55 inches made the biggest profits for their builders.
Third, imports of sailboats doubled, up 50% to 303 vessels over 20 feet, and will still increase. At least that's what analysts think. The number of imported vessels is expected to increase by 23% in 2014.
But it's not all smooth sailing. The increase in imports can be directly attributed to the fact that the production of sailing boats in the USA decreased again - by 13% compared to 2012, the year when production seemed to be on the rise.
However, the companies are optimistic: they also forecast an 8 percent increase in production as early as next year (with special hopes for «miniature» sailboats under 20 feet and «mid-caliber» 36-footers).
While sales fall or rise, while some vessel models become more popular and others lose buyer love, some things remain the same. It's about sailors' textbook love of hard liquor.
For those who like to dig into the details, look at the charts and tables, we recommend reading the full report for 2013. You can find it using this link.
