Thinking outside the box
With yachting companies increasingly integrated into large groups, the yachting sector is increasingly open to other sectors. If the maritime world sometimes keeps its conservative image, it knows how to innovate, ocean racing being an example. As part of the broader field of leisure, but also of mobility, yachting also relies on the evolution of these related fields to innovate.
Innovation goes through materials. The nautical companies will be able to to get an overview at JEC World of the major trends in composites in aeronautics, automotive and construction .
The transmission is also done within the large groups between the subsidiaries. The BRP group has understood this well with its new design center in Sophia Antipolis, which works across the board for all the Canadian manufacturer's outdoor leisure brands .
Crossing geographical boundaries
But by setting up shop on the Côte d'Azur, BRP is also crossing geographical boundaries. The North American group also wants to erase the bias of its Canada- and US-oriented culture. Its teams are working on more European projects.
On the other hand, Europe often sees itself as the cradle of yachting. European groups have become accustomed to buying up boat builders or equipment manufacturers all over the world, exporting European yachts to other continents. The example of acquisition of Sessa Marine by a Brazilian shipyard, former manufacturer of its models under license in South America is an interesting reminder of this. Borders are crossed in both directions, and Europe can surely learn from the yachting professionals in sailing basins that it knows little about.
