Your own boat thanks to Corona – the current boat market

“In the past, most sailors preferred to charter,” says boat dealer Jan Spengler from Michael Schmidt & Partner. “You caught a cheap flight to Mallorca, rented a boat there for two or three weeks and didn't have to worry about anything when you were done. This year, it's not so easy and above all not as cheap. And who knows how things will be in the next few years. Many sailors are now buying their own boat here in Germany or the Netherlands instead. No long journey, no borders to cross. So you're more likely to accept the work that comes with having your own boat.”

The shipyards are also noticing this trend. The dealers order and they deliver: “Despite the difficult conditions caused by Covid-19, we’re almost 100% on target for the 2019/20 business year,” says Michael Müller, CEO of Bavaria Yachts. There haven’t been any major cancellations. On the contrary: the dealers are more than satisfied. Yachts that are available immediately from stock are particularly in demand. “And nearly all the yachts on order will be delivered before the summer break. Only a few will have to be delivered later, as we are waiting for parts from our suppliers,” says Müller. Corona has made the delivery conditions from abroad more difficult. But constant efforts are being made to solve the problem.

“Our fiscal year ends in July. Until then, despite the current circumstances, everything will be alright. Of course, nobody knows what’s going to happen after that, but we’re optimistic,” says Marcus Schlichting, also from Bavaria Yachts. “Of course we will sorely miss the trade fairs in autumn. All the more reason to look forward to next year’s boot Düsseldorf.”