Charter continues to drive the Balearic and national nautical market

At the end of the first quarter of the year, 189 recreational boats have been registered in the Balearics, representing a decrease of 12.1% compared to the same period in 2021. This figure is in line with the national nautical market, which has recorded a year-on-year fall of 9% to 1,168 vessels registered, according to the 'Recreational Boat Market Report. January-March, 2022', prepared by ANEN from data provided by the Directorate General of Merchant Marine.

By provinces, the Balearic Islands continues to lead on the national nautical market, followed by Barcelona, with 115 units registered, and Alicante, with 88. In total, the archipelago accounts for 16.2% of registrations in Spain throughout the quarter.

As for the charter market, the Balearic Islands account for 104 registrations, 28.4% more than a year ago, increasing its market share to 30% of the national total. This means that out of every 10 charter boats registered in Spain between January and March, 3 were registered in the islands. In Spain as a whole, 344 charter vessels were registered, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.2%.

In the words of Carlos Sanlorenzo, secretary general of ANEN, "the complex international situation that is causing serious uncertainty in the markets is affecting industrial sectors, nautical sector among them. The nautical market closes the first quarter with lower figures than those achieved in the same period of 2021 - except for the charter market which remains positive - but exceeding the pre-pandemic figures. This shows that the nautical activities and the related quality leisure options have gained foothold among the tourists when choosing how to enjoy their leisure time".

By size, all segments, except boats between 6 and 8 metres, whose registrations grew by 3.6% in this period, are affected by the current situation, with a greater impact on larger boats from 12 metres and up in length.

By type of boat, the logistical crisis that has led to a lack of supplies in certain markets is particularly affecting the jet ski market, where registrations fell by 23.7%, and certain segments of motor boats, with a drop of 6.7%.

Sailing yachts, on the other hand, continue to perform well in terms of sales, with a 6.5% growth in registrations, attributable partly to a change in trend that had already been observed over the last two years, with a view to sustainability.