More industry consolidation - Arcona this time

[RobF]

Arcona was the brand which stood out most for me in the 2017 SIBS. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable sales people who quickly understood the kinds of things I was looking for in a boat and did a perfect sales pitch. If I had £300k burning in my pocket, I would have bought one there and then. But I didn't (sadly) and concur that there must be a pretty small pool of people with that kind of spare cash and are actively looking for a new boat.

 

[rotrax]

I was at a Vintage MCC meeting where industry bosses gave a talk-from their particular perspectives-on the future of motorcycle design. A dear friend-sadly no longer with us-chipped in with what he would like to see in a new motorcycle.

The guy from BMW knew him and said " Have you ever, or do you expect to purchase, a new motorcycle? "

The answer was negative on both counts.

" Waste of time talking to you then! " came the BMW mans response.

And it was ever thus......................................

 

[JumbleDuck]

something like a Fast 40 costs some £200k p.a. to run

Blimey. I don't doubt you, but could you give a breakdown of the costs? Lots of new sails? Professional crew? Deliveries to regattas?

 

[Daydream believer]

Blimey. I don't doubt you, but could you give a breakdown of the costs? Lots of new sails? Professional crew? Deliveries to regattas?

The items that you have listed would apply to any yacht in the 40-55 ft range, not just a Fast 40. Still sounds excessive unless racing on a very wide international scene . Then of course deliveries & professional crew & shore based crew would eat ito that easily

 

[dom]

Blimey. I don't doubt you, but could you give a breakdown of the costs? Lots of new sails? Professional crew? Deliveries to regattas?

I don't sail one, but know several peeps who do, so know for sure that's what at least some spend.

Cost of a new one on the water is £750K+ as everything is top-class and super-light, lifespan c.5-6Yrs active then not much resale, rotating sail locker of 15-20 top-class sails, higher-end race boats are dry-sailed hangar queens in constant need of maint, repair, etc., up to 5 (I think) ISAF Group 3 bodies (i.e. professionals) although this is an owner driver class, transport, fees, codings, electronic gizzmos, deck-gear..................£££s

Move across to TP52s and one can increase that to ££££££££££££££££££££££££s

 

[Resolution]

I don't sail one, but know several peeps who do, so know for sure that's what at least some spend.

Cost of a new one on the water is £750K+ as everything is top-class and super-light, lifespan c.5-6Yrs active then not much resale, rotating sail locker of 15-20 top-class sails, higher-end race boats are dry-sailed hangar queens in constant need of maint, repair, etc., up to 5 (I think) ISAF Group 3 bodies (i.e. professionals) although this is an owner driver class, transport, fees, codings, electronic gizzmos, deck-gear..................£££s

Move across to TP52s and one can increase that to ££££££££££££££££££££££££s

Dom
What kind of people are these high-value racers? UK residents or outsiders? Working business types or clever entrepreneurs who have already made their pile?
Are they ever likely to move into more relaxed sailing in things like Oysters? Or, perish the thought, enjoy a rant here on YBW?
Peter

 

[dom]

Dom
What kind of people are these high-value racers? UK residents or outsiders? Working business types or clever entrepreneurs who have already made their pile?
Are they ever likely to move into more relaxed sailing in things like Oysters? Or, perish the thought, enjoy a rant here on YBW?
Peter

Oh overwhelmingly UK resident as this class is basically owner driver. As for types, quite diverse really: advertising, city, law, tech, etc.

More generally, re the "Oyster" question. One can observe an increased attraction to luxury goods in emerging economies; for example in China the buyers of Dior bags at c$1,000 can be middle-income administrative staff. Something similar applies to BMWs, iPhones, and Bond St is sight to behold when the Asian buses pull up for after-hour 'special openings'. The passengers swiftly mug-off the luxury store in question; a quick re-stoking, and the store reopens for the next bus!

Then there are differences between generations: there are for example quite a few kids running around in R8s these days, while living in quite modest houses, or perhaps with their parents who are driving a 10Yr old Golf, but who just purchased an expensive London apartment.

My sense FWIW (and that's all it is) is that Oyster will struggle to sell its current range in the UK, not because of money constraints, but because people don't really want them.