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This staggering growth, a 144-yacht increase over 2004, represents an estimated (U.S.) $1.22 billion jump in the value of the industry’s new-yacht construction, explains the report, which will reach subscribers on November 1 and hit newsstands shortly thereafter.

“This level of growth is nothing short of staggering,” explained James Gilbert, ShowBoats International’s editor-in-chief.  “Consider that since 1997, the international market for luxury yachts has more than tripled.  In fact, this year’s 144-yacht increase is almost the same size as the entire global market of 1992.”

A barometer of the fiscal health of international luxury yacht industry, the Order Book also reports that Italy has retained its position as the world’s leading luxury yacht-building nation, with 249 units and 27,595 linear feet of boats—or 5.2 miles—under construction.  The United States again placed second in that category, with 97 units accounting for 11,215 linear feet.

“This astounding level of growth is the culmination of several developments that have been in process for several years,” Mr. Gilbert explained.  “Specifically, we’ve seen a significant diversification in product offerings, as evidenced by the rapid growth of the sport yacht sector, which has more than doubled over the past 12 months.  People who want to go fast are no longer limited to a smaller class of vessel. They can have comfort and speed at the same time.”

From a technical standpoint, advancements in active stabilization systems are expanding the market for large yachts, which previously had limited appeal because of their inability to offset discomfort at sea.  “The better systems can eliminate unwanted movement by as much as 80 percent,” according to Mr. Gilbert.

Also contributing to increased demand are new communications technologies, which provide luxury yacht owners with the highest levels of internet, telephone and television service, including video teleconferencing.

The definitive guide to the global luxury yacht community, ShowBoats International’s 2005 Order Book examines the scope and breadth of economic activity within this sector.  Each year, the publication’s team of editors canvasses the luxury yacht construction industry, gathering critical information from builders, designers, naval architects and major systems manufacturers.   

ShowBoats International
Now in its 16th year, ShowBoats International is uniquely positioned as the ultimate lifestyle magazine dedicated to an exclusive readership of super-luxury yacht owners. In August, the publication was acquired by Malibu, California-based CurtCo Media, publisher of Robb Report and Worth magazines and a family of titles similarly targeted to the world’s most affluent readers.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Perlman/CurtCo Robb Media
(310) 589-7780
jeffp@curtco.com