Growth in Sailing…New Love for an old Passion.

While there has been a steady growth in the yachting industry pre-covid, the pandemic period actually saw a significant jump in sailing enthusiasts!

In both categories of lifestyle choice for liveaboards or vacation, the yachting industry was one of the few industries which experienced significant growth during the lockdown period.

The yacht became the go to choice for families and other small groups since it provided a natural isolation pod. Traditionally, yachting vacations were booked for 5 to 7 days, however, despite the complexities of travelling to the Caribbean’s best yachting destinations during the Pandemic, the prevalence of remote working and schooling yacht companies saw bookings increase to 14 , 21 and even 30 days per visit. The traditional seasonality of the sector extended during the pandemic. Being able to work/ vacation in the Caribbean on your private yacht with sand, sun and crystal blue waters was the perfect way to ride out the pandemic.

Those that elected to sell or rent their homes and buy a yacht to live aboard, were also able to experience a dream whilst the rest of the world locked down. The purchase of yachts increased, as did the prices, to the point of scarcity, as this became the new way of living.

The spin off support industries in the islands also benefitted, such as the food provisioning and concierge services.

Other industries such as insurance also boomed (everyone bought travel insurance – since the risk of testing positive for Covid and having a vacation ruined was high).

Of course the tv series “Below Deck” has also created a major fan base which has increased the interest in the yachting industry, not only for lifestyle and vacationing, but indeed for career interests as well.

The notion that sailing was for old,retired salty souls has indeed been debunked as the influx of generation z….adopt this passion for sailing lifestyle.

And in 2023 as the world has returned to normal, the interest has not slowed. The industry in the Caribbean continues to experience an influx of guests.

The yachting industry has long been a favorite pastime for the rich and famous. But even post the Covid pandemic, growth in this sector is far from slowing down. Reports show that yacht purchases have increased significantly since the start of 2021, with many luxury yacht purchasers taking advantage of tax incentives as well as low interest rates to make their dreams come true.

This is proving incredibly popular amongst new sailors eager to escape their everyday lives, even if just for a few hours. It's clear that the yachting industry is far from sinking - quite the contrary in fact! With growth in yacht purchases and more people taking to the water safely, it looks like this sector will continue to sail smoothly through 2025. So what are you waiting for? Get on board and join the maritime trend today.