Boating at retirement age?
While the tradition of yachting and leisure boating among the more affluent goes back to the 19th century, boating and yachting began to open up to a wider public after the Second World War. The 1960s saw the birth of a "popular" yachting industry. Small businesses flourished, often set up by enthusiasts, and grew, sometimes creating multinationals, although small and medium-sized companies remained the norm, often attached to the figure of the founder. Even if the age of retirement is tending to be postponed, it's clear that 60 years on, the time has come for business transfers.
Anticipating the future of business
Many yachting bosses, often charismatic and carrying their company on their shoulders, have to hand over the reins. A delicate operation, and not all have anticipated the situation. While some large companies are of interest to financial investors, the majority remain in the hands of entrepreneurs committed to the sector. But to be successful, the handover must be anticipated. In this context, examples such as that of JFA Yachts and its transfer to the management of the yachting specialist show how it's possible to prepare for the future, while acknowledging the work of the past and that of our collaborators.
