Editors Note: The American Yachting Revival
In the heart of the thousand-strong fleet of luxury vessels - merged with the automobile industry, private aircrafts and long-awaited launches - the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show thrives with activity; allowing us to dissect the ultimate mise-en-scene by discussing the American Market with some of the world's biggest brokers and shipyards.
Brimming with brokerage activity, a contagious energy and a promising footfall of eager yacht owners, the U.S landscape was but a playground to what was described as one of the "best years yet".
The "American Boom", a phrase that dominated the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. With the strength of the American economy and consumer confidence naturally following suit, we moved beyond simply rhetoric and interrogated some of the key topics surrounding the strength of the American Market.
What are the lifestyle demands of the American client? Does yacht size matter? Are American's moving beyond traditional charter territory? These, just some of the questions on the lips of builders, brokers and designers attending.
For Heesen; North European builds dominate, with economic, cultural and practical factors all contributing to one notion; America turning to Europe for new-build.
For Westport, the answer is American heritage, where paying homage to tradition is translated through the intergenerational line of workers that evidence Westport's sentimental philosophy- quality, ease and credibility.
In the world of brokerage, Denison Yachts share a privileged insight into the evolving symbol of yachting for the American client, one that has changed shape alongside the shifting culture of travel, defined instead by freedom and family.
Business agendas are best evidenced by BWA Yachting, deploying what can only be described as vast expansion and growth as they showcase their new office in The Bahamas, a successful presence at MYBA, and a new and exciting yacht provisioning service.
Galati Yacht Sales profess a similar business incentive, one that makes clear their agenda to thrive by remaining "where boaters boat", evidenced best by their strategic marina locations and impressive 400 listings a year.
Our insight from Informa Exhibitions, who recently acquired the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, ties the bow on what is considered to have been a week of success across the sector, contributing to a tone of impending excitement for the year ahead, which here at Superyachts.com, we couldn't be more excited to be a part of.
