When we started in 1961, there were no private harbours and such yachts existed were either in Cannes or Monaco. In spite of the trades unions being largely responsible for the closure of the big yacht building yard in Southampton in 1975, the smaller historic Gosport yard kept going until about 2005. A lot of boats were produced and the quality was such that most are still afloat.
We first opened sales offices in Antibes, Monaco, Cannes and London. Our presence in Palma was the result of the Club de Mar being opened and was an immediate success. Then later also came our offices in the United States.
The industry is very different now. The volume of yachts afloat increases daily and there is a widespread, high quality infrastructure that is just about keeping pace with the number of yachts being produced. People are passionate about their boats and the increase in the number of large sailing boats is particularly gratifying. The real challenge for the future lies in the ability of the top yards to continue designing, building and delivering ever more sophisticated yachts, and to find the multitude of highly-talented subcontractors to deliver the requirements of the owners and their architects.
The industry is very different now. The volume of yachts afloat increases daily and there is a widespread, high quality infrastructure that is just about keeping pace with the number of yachts being produced. People are passionate about their boats and the increase in the number of large sailing boats is particularly gratifying. The real challenge for the future lies in the ability of the top yards to continue designing, building and delivering ever more sophisticated yachts, and to find the multitude of highly-talented subcontractors to deliver the requirements of the owners and their architects.
Camper & Nicholsons will continue to support them. We look forward to celebrating many more innovations in the world of luxury.
