Annus horribilus

And so we come to the end of a year many will aim to bury in the furthest recesses of their memories – a year from hell. The dear Queen once described 1992 (a particularly bad year for her family) as an “annus horribilus”. That’s Latin for a horrible year – but frankly, if we’re permitted to tweak the Latin slightly I think a “sh***y year” would be a more accurate translation for 2020.

Barring the two world wars, Covid-19 has transformed the planet as never before – we will be measuring the scale of the devastation for decades and, I suspect, in ways we’ve not yet even begun to comprehend.

In the small microcosm that is the global marine sector, things seem pretty bleak – bleakest among it perhaps the international cruise ship industry, where scores of vessels are lying idle at anchor. As I write, many cruise operators have been deemed ‘economically unviable’ – their ships are being turned into scrap steel on Turkish and Indian beaches.

At the recreational end of the spectrum, Covid led to the cancellation of numerous international marine shows – both of our local boat shows suffered a similar fate. This year’s Japan Olympics became another casualty, as did countless international and local regattas. In the Caribbean and the Med the marinas are jammed to capacity. The charter fleets aren’t going anywhere – and won’t be for quite a while.

And yet, remarkably, all is not dead. It seems the global/local recreational marine sector, at least, isn’t suffering from advanced rigor mortis. Against the litany of global misery I was staggered to receive the findings from a recent Maritime NZ survey showing that more of us in New Zealand are boating. Around 45% of all adults – the first increase in four years – are taking to the water in an increasingly diverse range of vessels. Extraordinary.

Admittedly, I can only offer anecdotal evidence for this, but

I’m also reliably told that outboard engine manufacturers around the world are unable to meet demand. Particularly in the higher horsepower range. Analysts point to the lack of international travel as the underlying cause for the silver lining: if I can’t travel I’ll buy a new boat, or upgrade the one I have. Whatever the reason, it’s a hugely welcome development.

I’ll add one further thought: I suspect any boating renaissance is a little easier here in Aotearoa – for once our island status and geographic isolation have worked in our favour. Covid notwithstanding, we’re very lucky to be living here.

Have a good Christmas – and cherish the opportunity to share the boat with your families.

Happy boating.