Boat show results reflect growing economic confidence - North America MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 Nov 09:00 PST
Brunswick Corporation sets new sales, units and share records at 2019 FLIBS © Brunswick Corporation
The Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show has come and gone for another year and one major supplier reports record results. Brunswick Corporation has announced that its Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Mercury Marine brands have set multiple records during the 2019 FIBS.
Sea Ray, which launched an all-new 320 Sundancer Coupe at Ft. Lauderdale, saw a massive 80 percent increase in show sales from a year ago, demonstrating the success of its reinvention strategy. Boston Whaler continues to benefit from significant year-over-year sales growth in September and October, leading to a very successful Ft. Lauderdale boat show which saw the launch of the flagship 405 Conquest and the 325 Conquest and increased show sales on boats 33' and above.
While further analysis will filter through from that show, the industry's attention now turns to METSTRADE in Europe, host of the biggest marine trade show in the world. From 19 to 21 November, RAI Amsterdam will welcome many thousands of visitors, exhibitors, conference delegates and speakers to explore issues related to the environment, circular economy, digitisation and sustainable employment. Add in three days of productive B2B meetings and the chance to see the very latest products and it is clear why the world's marine professionals so enjoy making their annual pilgrimage to METSTRADE.
With two weeks to go before the METSTRADE Show opens for business, the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre is already buzzing. An unprecedented number of pre-show visitor registrations mean that the 1650-plus exhibitors from 55 countries have much to look forward to. The show programme is also more comprehensive than ever, one of the reasons perhaps why a record number of 250 new companies will be showcasing their wares at METSTRADE 2019, including a remarkable number of new entries in digital innovations and many start-ups with a sustainable character.
Closer to home, Manufacturing Day, which took place on October 4, was the industry's opportunity to raise awareness for marine manufacturing in the U.S., and the industry delivered! Several NMMA members hosted Manufacturing Day events nationwide, engaging local leaders and decision makers, students, job seekers, and communities. One member even held the opening of its expanded facility to coincide with Manufacturing Day!
Without coastguards boating would not be as safe as it is. The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and well-being of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it will hold its annual Houston Awards Dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas on Thursday November 14, 2019. At the event, a full program of acknowledgements is planned, including a tribute to the Coast Guard Foundation's 50th anniversary of service to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.
And on the subject of awards, nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. Recipients of the NMMA Freedman Award are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity, and personal motivation.
In 2021 the USA will have an opportunity to win back the America's Cup with the foiling monohull challenger 'American Magic' representing the NYYC. Mercury Marine is proud to support Emirates Team New Zealand as the Official Outboard Supplier, as they prepare to defend the America's Cup in 2021. Under the agreement, Mercury will provide all the outboard engines needed for Emirates Team New Zealand's chase and support boats. "We are incredibly honoured to be part of the America's Cup defence which is going to be such an important event for everyone in New Zealand," said Dean Harris, New Zealand Manager, Mercury Marine.
Staying with sailing, Sail America, the trade association for the sailing industry, recently announced registration is open for the 8th edition of the Sail America Industry Conference (SAIC). Held annually, SAIC will host speakers, workshops, and industry leaders and colleagues for the three-day conference, May 12-14, 2020, in Annapolis, MD. SAIC is the place for sailing industry professionals to learn about new topics and trends, receive updates, and network with over 150 participants. The conference features a regatta, a day and a half of educational sessions, industry networking events and more.
Marine Business World, North America, is your media platform for advising our industry of your latest news covering new products, people, events and company information that you would like to share. Please forward your press releases, product bulletins and company news to peter.rendle@sail-world.com
Aveagooden!
Peter Rendle