Out of the Box

Over the last 10 years we have witnessed a rapid shrinkage in the sailing yacht market and a decline in interest in sailing at all levels. It is quite incredible that we are losing interest in the only genuinely sustainable means of transport at the exact time everyone is becoming so concerned about sustainability. And yet sailing has never been simpler, more comfortable, more fun or cheaper at the smaller end of the scale. Even larger craft now need fewer crew. Sadly, we are all too focused on “the arriving rather than the getting there” nowadays. Hence, sailing is losing out to motor power. To return sailing to its previous splendour, we will have to fight that widespread culture which goes well beyond the sector and this is a tough ask. The sailing sector has worked hard to make its product more accessible and has succeeded but that alone is not enough. I am, however, confident that in the long term, the pleasures of sailing and savouring every minute of that fabulous activity will come back into fashion. But in the shorter term, we will have to follow market sentiment and try to package sailing differently to make it more tempting. Motor craft always have a whole string of toys. So why can’t one of those toys be a sailing boat? There are small foiled sailing craft which can replace windsurf boards. They will be just as fun but easier to use. Or why not have a larger sailing boat that would flank the even larger motor mothership to guarantee owner and guests the thrill of sailing without impinging on comfort once back at anchor? Purists will turn up their noses but we have to find a way to respark interest in sailing, starting with the smallest craft which might even be looked upon as toys. These will lure in new sailing fans who, over time, will start looking on sailing as the real way to enjoy the sea, including for cruising. In the coming 10 to 15 years, we can create a real market of sailors rather than losing what is left, by fighting with the wrong weapons as we are doing today!