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Destination UK promote the UK to visiting Superyachts

Yachting Intelligence — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:08:43 +0000

“Destination UK” is a new initiative designed to promote the UK’s cruising grounds to visiting Superyachts in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics and the legacy years.

The event is focussed on making it as easy as possible for Superyachts to visit the UK. The more Yachts we can attract, the more opportunities there are for SYUK members and the UK supply chain.

Superyacht UK is inviting Charter and Fleet managers to a one day event on March 15th 2011 at Lancaster House in London. These key decision makers are pivotal in influencing a yachts itinerary, so it is important that we make it as easy as possible for the yachts to enter the UK and provide them with all the relevant contacts and information.

To date we have already secured delegates from Burgess, YCO, Edmiston, YPI, Camper, Nicholson and more.

This event will be most beneficial to companies who supply berthing, provisioning, bunkering, concierge, refit and repair and other companies directly related to servicing yachts whilst cruising.

Provisional Programme*

The programme for the day is for regions of the UK to present the delegates with the highlights of visiting their areas. The afternoon is set aside for a showcase of the UK Supply Chain and networking opportunities. . This event will be an excellent way to market your company to key decision makers, and in turn help attract yachts to the UK.

10.00 Coffee and networking
10.30 Opening welcome
10.40 SYUK welcome
10.50 Olympics – 2012
11.00 UKTI Red carpet programme
11.10 Regional presentations to include – high level overview inc cruising grounds, berthing, facilities, access, service co’s available
12.30 LUNCH
13.30 Regatta’s – J Class, Informa, Pendennis Cup
14.00 Start of showcase/networking
17.00 End of showcase

Pricing and Showcase Information

£50 per attendee

Price includes access to Lancaster House and catering for the day.

Please contact Chris Grosscurth cgrosscurth@britishmarine.co.uk or call 01784 223641 to sign up, there are limited places for this event and we will allocate these on a first come, first served basis.

*programme subject to time changes

Matthew Bland Wins 2011 SuperYacht UK Design Competition

Yachting Intelligence — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:33:42 +0000

Announced at the 2011 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show during the SuperYacht UK Technical Seminar, Matthew has secured a place to represent British excellence at the 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Award which will take place from 16-17 February 2011 at Seatec, Italy.

The SYUK design competition enables design students studying in the UK to compete on a global platform. Matthew was awarded with a certificate and a SYUK jacket by Toby Allies, SYUK vice chair who is Sales and Marketing Director at Pendennis, which is one of the world’s leading custom SuperYacht and refit builders.

Students from a selection of design courses were asked to submit their current portfolio to a panel of judges from the SuperYacht UK association. Portfolio requirements demanded a strength in being able to design by hand, which would enable the winning student to compete successfully at the competition by drawing to a brief live on the Show floor.

Matthew, who is currently studying BA Hons Product Design at Uclan University, is delighted with the result, he said: “ I’m looking forward to the competing and travelling to Italy to compete in this esteemed competition, representing British design. This opportunity could really enhance my career prospects. I would encourage fellow design students to promote their work through opportunities such as this. ”

Tom Chant of SuperYacht UK said: “We are excited to be sending Matthew to represent British excellence at the 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Awards. His design work is truly tremendous, and we are confident that he will be a strong competitor for the award. SYUK is delighted to be supporting young British designers. This is the 2nd year we have had an entry into this competition and intend to develop this competition year-on-year to encourage more UK students to be recognised in international markets.”

UK superyacht industry remains strong despite recession

Yachting Intelligence — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:15:22 +0000

The latest national survey of Superyacht UK members has shown that the value of the industry increased slightly during 2009/10, despite the challenging effects of the recession.

The UK superyacht industry is now worth just over £420 million a year according to the latest statistics, an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year’s revenue.

The survey results are announced to coincide with the Monaco Yacht Show which runs from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 September 2010.

Superyacht UK, a dedicated superyacht association of British Marine Federation (BMF), represents over 170 members, 70 per cent of the total UK industry operating in the design, build, supply chain and service provision of yachts over 24 metres in length.Activity and workload in the sector remains healthy, with 43 per cent of members reporting a higher workload now compared to the previous 12 months, whilst only 18 per cent stated they are experiencing a lower workload.

The key statistics from the latest trends survey show that:

• The value of the UK superyacht industry in 2009/10 is now just over £420 million, compared to £410 million in 2008/9; an increase of 3 per cent from last year.

• This is a lower revenue increase year-on-year than reported in recent years, reflecting the downturn in the economic climate (in 2008/9 revenue was 15.3 per cent from the previous year).

• 43 per cent have a higher superyacht workload over the last 12 months compared to the same period a year ago, this is a 25 per cent increase compared to just 5 per cent last year. 18 per cent had a lower workload.

• However, the impact of the recession is evident in the rating of the monetary measures. Increases are smaller, although still positive, for value of the order book ( 14 per cent) and revenue ( 12 per cent) and profit levels ( 7 per cent).

• Only 8 per cent perceive the next 12 months negatively with the majority rating the future prospects as good or excellent (58 per cent) and 34 per cent stating it looks OK which are similar expectations to those reported a year ago.

Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation, said: “We’re pleased to report that despite the challenging economic conditions, our superyacht industry remains well positioned for the future. To ensure this, the BMF, working with Superyacht UK, continues to try to improve market share for the UK superyacht industry and its members. The presence at Monaco Yacht Show and a new publication, Destination UK, both promote British Excellence in this sector and demonstrate all we have to offer, to a captive audience of captains, buyers and owners.”

Tim Wiltshire, Chairman of Superyacht UK added: “Whilst the service sector of the superyacht industry is holding its own on the global stage despite the tough economic conditions, it is also vital to the manufacturing sector of the industry, where the UK excels, that new vessel construction picks up internationally. UK companies involved in this sector are world leaders and also significant employers within their communities. As an industry we are however cautiously optimistic that the future is positive and UK companies are well placed to face ongoing uncertain market conditions.”

Source and more info on Superyachtuk.com

Red Arrows Wow Showgoers at Monaco

Yachting Intelligence — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:13:09 +0000

Alastair Walton, of Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, provides another report based on his rapid tour of the fall boat-show circuit. This time, when he’s looking up, he’s seeing more than masts:

The Monaco Yacht Show is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the Mediterranean boat show season – maybe even the world. Nowhere else can you find the same heady mixture of huge superyachts, stunning supermodels, international ship yards, professional yacht brokers, innovative designers, spectacular scenery and uber-wealthy boat buyers. Naturally, this addictive showcase attracts visitors from all over the world (…)

See full article on boats.com :

http://www.boats.com/blog/2009/09/red-arrows-wow-showgoers-at-monaco/

UK Superyacht sector sees year on year growth exceeds 15%

Yachting Intelligence — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:43:53 +0000

A survey carried out by Superyacht UK has revealed a bumper year of growth in the British superyacht sector, with a high level of confidence for further success in 2010.

Despite the tough economic environment, the survey indicated that Superyacht UK members bucked the trend of decline to post a substantial year on year growth rate of 15.3% in turnover, reaching a total of Â£410 million. The figures cover the last financial year up to June 1st 2009.

Superyacht UK is the trade body representing over 160 member companies operating in the design, build, supply chain and service provision of yachts over 24 metres load line length within the UK market. The UK industry has a growing reputation for excellence at the high end of the market both domestically and throughout the world. In particular, British designers and boat builders have seen revenues increase significantly.

The headline figures from the Superyacht UK survey found that:

- Revenue has increased year on year by 15.3% from Â£350 million to Â£410 million

- There are 3,600 people employed in the sector, an increase of 5% on 2008

- 85% of companies employed either the same number or more people compared with one year ago

- 95% of those companies questioned rated the prospects for the year ahead as either “good or excellent » (56%) or “OK » (39%)

- The majority of growth in revenue was down to new build orders, with 76% of responders involved in such projects over the last 12 months

The publication of the survey results coincides with the Monaco Yacht Show which features a strong British presence. Nineteen British companies active within the superyacht sector are present at the Superyacht UK Pavilion, with many more exhibiting throughout other parts of the show. In total, 74 UK firms will attend. The event, taking place from September 23-26, 2009 in Port Hercules, Monaco, is a global showcase event for superyachts and will feature 100 of the world’s leading vessels.

This year the show will witness a spectacular return of the Red Arrows display team who also performed in 2008, organised by Superyacht UK and sponsors. The award winning team will be performing a 30 minute routine in front of the outer breakwater at Monaco Harbour to emphasise the British presence. Superyacht UK has attended the Monaco event for the last nine years supporting British companies.

Tim Wilshire, Director of Burgess Yachts said:

“Although the sector has been operating in the wider context of an economic recession, UK superyacht companies have demonstrated their resilience and ability to innovate resulting in a very welcome year on year growth in revenues. At Burgess we share our colleagues’ wider optimism about the year ahead and look forward to taking this message to the European market during the Monaco Yacht Show. »

Tom Chant, International Commercial Manager for Superyacht UK added:

“It is great to see the continued stability and growth inherent in the UK superyacht sector. Despite the wider difficulties, the value of the industry has increased, demonstrating its contribution to UK plc and the development of manufacturing skills. Superyacht UK will be capitalising on this success with a strong presence at the Monaco show this year and in helping members take advantage of wider opportunities in the year ahead. »

Source

Demand for superyachts on the rise

Yachting Intelligence — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:59:21 +0000

Demand for the world’s largest, most expensive yachts is on the rise.

“We’ve gotten the strongest forward order book that we’ve ever had. It’s the best outlook we’ve ever had since we’ve started the company,” said Toby Allies, Sales and Marketing Director for Pendennis, a leading British manufacturer and re-fitter of superyachts.

Amid the global recession, the worldwide market for luxury goods has plummeted over the last year, expected to shrink 10 percent for 2009 according to global business consultants Bain & Company.

A few sectors, though, have shown surprising strength and even growth amid the downturn, including British-made superyachts.

The British market for superyachts grew more than 15 percent during the fiscal year ending June 1, 2009, according to a new survey. Overall revenue increased to a record $663 million (Â£410 million) and jobs across the industry increased five percent, according to Superyacht UK, the trade group who conducted the survey.

Since last September, yacht sales tanked in many parts of the world, particularly as cash dried up among clients from Russia and the Middle East. “It was a difficult year, many manufacturers had to cut down on production numbers and give larger discounts,” said Georges Tchoumak, Head of Sales and Marketing for Numarine, a manufacturer of superyachts based in Turkey.

In France three of the four publicly-traded yacht companies who make yachts that cost more than $40 million took advantage of the country’s bankruptcy laws to stave off collapse, including Rodriguez Group, the company who built Bernard Madoff’s yacht “Bull.”

Though affected by the recession, the UK industry managed to buck that trend, buoyed by a decline in the pound.

“In the last quarter of 2008 through the end of first quarter 2009 there was virtually zero activity in the large yacht sector,” said Tim Wiltshire, Director of Burgess Yachts, a UK-based high-end boat manufacturer.

Wiltshire said that at their worst, transactions were down 60 percent compared with the previous year, but that volume had recently returned, particularly in brokerage sales of used yachts.

Heading into Monaco, manufacturers around the world including the UK now appear poised for a robust rebound.

“There have been a dozen significant sales in the past quarter … enough of our customers think it’s unlikely to get much worse.”

But whiles sales have picked up, Wiltshire predicted it could take years for sale prices to reach the premiums of only a few years ago: “Since early summer [business] has picked up significantly … We are back on par with 2007, albeit at reduced values,” he said.

Manufacturers across the UK share Wiltshire’s optimism, according to the survey. Ninety-five percent of UK companies questioned rated their prospects for the year ahead either “good or excellent” (56 percent) or “OK” (39 percent).

At Numarine “things are looking better for the last three months,” Tchomak told CNN. “We’ve had more sales in the past three months than in the previous 12 months,” he wrote in an email.

At Pendennis, directors have changed their business strategy to accommodate the anticipated growth.

“We’ve increased our investment in infrastructure for large yachts,” said Ailes. “Improving facilities and looking to recruit more people to work on boats up to 70 or 80 meters.”

One of the reasons cited for the strength in Britain’s superyacht business compared with manufacturers in other European countries has been the declining value of Sterling against the Euro.

Hugo Andreae, Editor-in-Chief of Superyachtworld magazine said that the exchange rate helped, but the high quality of British boats and sustained demand among the world’s wealthiest had helped hold up sales.

Andreae also explained that one of the effects of the recession has been to shift demand from new builds to the used boat brokerage and chartering markets.

“There are signs that things are picking up … Monaco is the premiere big yacht show and it’s the real acid test of whether [the rebound] is the odd sale being picked up at a good price, or if the market has reignited properly,” explained Tom Chant, International Commercial Manager for Superyacht UK.

If interest in the Monaco Yacht Show is any indicator, then sales can be expected to meet bullish expectations.

The annual end-of-summer yachting industry and yacht owners’ conference is fully booked this week. The number of double-decker pavilions has doubled since last year, but in spite of the event’s increased provision of these more expensive, higher visibility exhibition spaces supply still fell short of demand.

In the United States yacht manufacturers also say they’ve seen a recent surge in interest in new construction of yachts over 150 feet.

“Over the last 45 days, all of a sudden, the inquires have started coming along really strong. That bodes well for the Monaco Yacht Show,” said William Smith, V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Trinity Yachts. “It’s fair to say sales came to a shuddering halt after the Monaco show last year.”

In another sign that interest in the top-end of the yacht market is back, Luxury retailer Hermes recently announced plans to team up with Wally, the Monaco superyacht company, to build a $145 million (â‚¬100 million) yacht.

Sales to Russia, the Middle East and other developing countries have rebounded more quickly than sales to Europe and the U.S., according to Smith, as uncertainty about the markets has subsided and boosted consumer confidence.

In the past six months, Trinity had only had one inquiry from an American, which came in the last few weeks. Trinity, the largest U.S. retailer of megayachts, has had two projects out of 17 builds stall due to the recession, both about 164 feet long.

Smith said the owners can either come back and pay for them to finish the work or let Trinity sell them. Throughout the downturn Trinity was able to continue to deliver ships at a record pace, thanks to a hearty backlog of orders placed during the markets peaks

Source

UK Yacht makers stay afloat in recession

Yachting Intelligence — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:17:50 +0000

THE UK superyacht sector has remained buoyant in the recession, with revenue growing 15 per cent year-on-year, according to figures released by the industry’s trade body.

Superyacht UK, which represents over 160 member companies involved in the superyacht manufacturing business, said that revenue has increased from Â£350m to Â£410m over the year.

The UK figures buck the European trend, where the number of orders for yachts has sunk. Superyacht UK says the resilience is partly due to sales benefiting from the weakness of sterling against the euro.

The survey found that 56 per cent of companies questioned rated the prospects for the year ahead as either “good or excellent ».

Source