1 BOATING ON HOLD
As MBY went to press at the end of April the boating world was still firmly in the grip of the Covid-19 crisis. With most harbours, marinas, chandleries and boat manufacturers closed and the start of the boating season on hold, we contacted key UK stakeholders to see how they were coping and search for any glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel.
BOAT BUILDERS
Princess has furloughed 98% of its workforce retaining a few key players to keep the business ticking over. Sunseeker has taken similar steps while retaining a skeleton staff working responsibly to finish off a few big yachts. Fairline has also furloughed 340 employees but kept the factory partially open using a “hand-picked team of 70 craftspeople” with suitable safety measures and social distancing in place. After a three-week closure Williams Jet Tenders has just restarted limited production.
Crucially, most of the big manufacturers have been pressing ahead with new-model development work, which will be so important once life returns to normal.
In the meantime many marine businesses have donated their PPE stocks, normally used to protect workers against dust and fumes, to local health trusts and care homes. Some have even re-tasked their teams and equipment to produce new visors, face masks and gowns.
Positive reports are also coming in about sales enquiries. Sunseeker sales director Sean Robertson said that Asia appears to be “waking up first” with pent up demand for new boats and Princess’s marketing director, Kiran Haslam, says Scandinavia is “on fire” (in a good way). Meanwhile, Fairline’s marketing manager, Miles Moorhouse, also confirmed that new orders are still coming in and, encouragingly, not one existing order has yet been cancelled.
MARINAS
All the marinas we contacted were restricting access to anyone other than their own core staff and a few commercial tenants in order to comply with Government regulations for marinas and caravan parks. Berth-holders have been advised to keep away and not to self-isolate on their boats unless they were already on board prior to lockdown. Marina staff are keeping a close eye on the safety and security of boats.
If any berth-holders do have particular concerns about their boats or perishable items left on board, contact the marina in question. They may be able to offer photographic reassurance or even conduct live Facetime calls.
Most marinas are continuing to charge their usual rates on the basis that they are still providing their core service and incurring most of their normal costs. Anyone facing exceptional difficulties is advised to speak to their marina.
One exception to the rule is Boatfolk (the new name for the 11-site marina group created from the recently merged Dean & Reddyhof and Quay Marinas), which is applying some discounts to annual berthholders for lock-down months or allowing berth-fee credits to be spent in their stores and workshops.
BOAT OWNERS
Frustrations continue to mount for boat owners who are unable to access their boats. However, the Royal Yachting Association is urging leisure boaters to heed government advice to avoid any unnecessary excursions. It is concerned that if people try to justify a visit to their boats as essential, the Government might introduce a specific ban on recreational boating which may then take longer to lift
However, the RYA is asking the Government to consider some limited access to boats. “We are acutely aware that worries about boat security, maintenance and the impact on insurance cover are all are creating anxiety for boat owners. We are also making the case that there are many people who could visit their boat while adhering strictly to Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.”
Whether the Government will agree to the RYA’S request or when the restrictions will end, we don’t yet know.