The fact that boating is booming thanks to coronavirus is now also statistically proven. In the large YACHT survey, in which several thousand readers took part last autumn, one in five said they were new on board. And that's not the only exciting result.
Delius Klasing, Europe's leading publisher of maritime media, which also publishes YACHT, is once again presenting its market study for the water sports industry this year. Over three million pieces of data were collected from the four core areas of socio-demographics, shipyard data, charter & territories as well as accessories and insurance, providing a comprehensive overview of current developments in the industry.
What is valuable information for nautical companies for the further development of their business is also of interest to sailors. After all, it shows who is actually pursuing the same hobby - boating - not just on their own jetty or in their own harbour, but nationwide.
Specifically: Are you, for example, one of the youngsters on the water or one of the salt humps? Do the others have just as much experience or less or more? And are you actually the only one with a soft spot for rather old, small boats or do many others share this passion? Or: How much money do sailors in Germany have available to invest in their hobby? And how many of them even have a sailing licence?
The complete data is summarised, analysed and processed in several comprehensive sub-studies and can be ordered for a fee (click here: YACHT market data study)
Here are 8 interesting findings from the study for sailors:
1. become younger:The newcomers have ensured that the average age of sailors in this country has fallen slightly for a long time. It is now 53 years old.
2. proud owners:63 per cent of those surveyed own a boat. Most importantly, however, a third of newcomers also bought their own boat straight away.
3. a lot of experience:Despite the newcomers, the expertise of YACHT readers is remarkably high: most of them have been sailing for over 20 years!
4. high budget: The respondents stated that they had an average of 2,560 euros a month at their free disposal. That is five times more than the other Germans.
5. well trained:YACHT readers rarely go out on the water without a licence. Almost all of them have one: 63 per cent have the SBF Binnen and 79 per cent the SBF See.
6. on cruise: Two out of three respondents are classic cruising sailors, a quarter charter regularly. Only a few readers sail regattas. The newcomers have done little to change this.
7. a lot of know-how: 61 per cent of YACHT readers describe themselves as "advanced" sailors.
8. high level of education: Two thirds of the survey participants have studied, compared to 19 per cent of the rest of the population. Just under half work in a managerial position or freelance.
