Signs of industry optimism from European Boating Festival - MarineBusinessWorld N America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 20 Sep 2023 12:00 PDT
Cannes Yachting Festival © Ensign Yachts
Signs of a global economic recovery are reflected in the latest report from the Cannes Yachting Festival in France. Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) reported another record-setting display at the Festival, one of the premier trade shows in Europe, with outboard engine market share gains, major new product launches, and a global product award.
Mercury Marine set another record for engine share at the event, with 66% of the outboard engines on display, further solidifying its market share leadership position in Europe. This also marks the third consecutive year that Mercury has set a record share in Cannes as demand continues to be strong for high horsepower propulsion from European boat builders and consumers.
In addition, Brunswick Boat Group launched Navan, its new premium adventure boat brand which is part of the Quicksilver family, and the first two models in the Navan line-up, the C30 and S30. Both models were extremely well received by the public with orders exceeding expectations during the show, and strong dealer enthusiasm to carry the product.
And expectations are high for another European event in the New Year: boot Düsseldorf 2024 is heading for a top result. International market leaders will again be on board 20-28 January 2024 and the world's largest yachts and watersports show will follow on from its excellent pre-pandemic results. The show will feature international market leaders on board at the world's largest yachts and water sports fair; 16 exhibition halls with boats, yachts, boards, diving accessories and destinations; Blue innovation dock sustainability forum with outstanding expertise; ocean tribute and love your ocean campaign.
Commenting on this, Wolfram Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, says: "We have had very successful talks with the manufacturers over the summer months and feel great enthusiasm and anticipation for boot 2024. In January, we will also be able to welcome back brands that took a break this year. In particular, we see very high international attendance from exhibitors. This means boot 2024 will reach the highest level, present wide and varied ranges for both water sports and destinations and will again position itself as the world-leading show for this industry."
Reflecting that optimism, Cruisers Yachts, a premier manufacturer of luxury yachts, has partnered with Alliance Construction on a 56,000-square-foot expansion to its Pulaski facility with a completion date of January 2024. Mark Pedersen, President of Cruisers Yachts, comments, "One of our core values is to look to the long term, and this expansion project is a testament to that belief. We have been looking to expand since we acquired the Pulaski facility in 2021.
"That plant is designed to build larger yachts, and this expansion provides us with a facility that aligns with our New Product Development plans for the next five years. Cruisers Yachts has embarked on this ambitious expansion project with a clear goal: to broaden its horizons and further elevate its yacht manufacturing process. The expansion comprises several key areas, each designed to enhance production and accommodate larger vessels."
The Newport International Boat Show announced the results of this year's Newport For New Products™ Awards. Judged on Thursday during the Show's opening day and announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, September 15, the winners are:
- Best New Navigation Product (Including Marine Electronics) - B&G Hercules
- Best New Boating Operation, Maintenance or Safety Product - Ronstan Orbit Winch with QuickTrimTM
- Honorable Mention Boating Operation, Maintenance or Safety Product - Revolve Technology Emergency VHF Antenna
- Best New Sailboat - Yyachts Y70
- Best New Powerboat 30 Feet and Over - SOLARA S-310 SC
- Best New Powerboat Under 30 Feet - HYFOIL 28, Hyfoil Marine
- Best Overall New Powerboat - HYFOIL 28, Hyfoil Marine
- Honorable Mention: Powerboat - Wolfeboro Boats Classic 15
- Accessible Product Award - Laguna 330, Further Customs
- Green Boat Award - HYFOIL 28, Hyfoil Marine
- People's Choice Award - SOLARA S-310 SC
New products launched this week: Mastervolt, a global leader in innovative autonomous power solutions, has announced the launch of its 36V and 48V Mac Plus DC-DC chargers. Featuring new bi-directional technology, the new models provide a quick, safe, and consistent charge for both service and starter batteries, with a stable output that powers even the most sensitive loads in boats, RVs or any off-grid system.
ECOXGEAR, an innovator in the world of rugged and element-proof audio, proudly introduces its new Marine Radio line under its SoundExtreme brand, equipped with two wired zones and one wireless audio zone, along with an integrated four-zone LED Controller. The SoundExtreme Marine Radio features the industry's first built-in LED controller. This technology is set to transform how the boating, powersports, and golf cart industries experience onboard entertainment. This cutting-edge patent pending technology empowers consumers to personalize both their audio and lighting experience with multiple audio and LED custom and controllable zones. Users can effortlessly adjust each zone independently or simultaneously, enhancing their ambiance to match their mood and surroundings.
Sunstream® Boat Lifts, the leading manufacturer of high-quality free-standing and free-floating boat lifts and the SwiftShield™ Automatic Boat Cover System, has announced it has reinvented hydraulic power systems with the Sunstream Power System (SPS™). A single high-powered hydraulic powerpack that drives multiple Sunstream lifts and automatic boat covers, the SPS eliminates the need for independent powerpacks or 220V electric motors for each hydraulic device.
People in the news: US Sailing has announced the addition of Phil Muller as Youth Performance Manager, bolstering the organization's capabilities in this important area of growth. The position is a new role at US Sailing, deepening US Sailing's expansion in coaching and youth performance.
"I am thrilled to welcome Phil to the US Sailing family," said Alan Ostfield, CEO of US Sailing. "Muller has significant experience in growing the sport and developing sailors at all levels, which are important areas of focus as we continue our work to reshape US Sailing to enhance the service and connection we provide to members and the sport."
Clagett Sailing coach Betsy Alison (Newport, R.I) has proved that it is perseverance and determination that results in a gold medal, taking home the World Champion crown at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague four weeks ago. In recognition of this achievement the Newport City Council at their annual Council meeting proclaimed 13 September 2023 as Betsy Alison Day in Newport, Rhode Island.
As a member of the US Sailing Team who raced in the Hansa 303 Women's fleet, Alison - along with her four fellow Para sailors, Jim Thweatt (San Fransisco, C.A.) in the Men's Hansa 303 class, John Seepe (Erie, P.A.) in the 2.4mR class and Maureen McKinnon (Salem, M.A.) and Shan McAdoo (Essex, M.A.) sailing together in the RS Venture Connect class - were supported in their efforts by Team Clagett. All five of the para sailors are alumni of Clagett Sailing and have benefitted from the commitment it has made to supporting sailors with disabilities as they strive for their goals as they Reach for Success.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com