Demand for Mega Yachts in Brazil Grows

[Judi Lynn]

Nautical market is heated with a pandemic scenario and social distance that limits travel

Oct.19.2020 1:03PM
Paula Sperb

PORTO ALEGRE

It's a mansion overlooking the sea. Or rather, a floating mansion on the sea. These are the luxury boats that take months to complete and have areas of up to 350m². They serve as a refuge for those who can pay a few million reais.

With international travel restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to maintain social distance, the large yacht market has warmed up even with the aggravated economic crisis.

"Instead of staying at home, people chose to stay inside the vessel, be it a sailboat or a superyacht. This moved the sector a lot, as the vessel is a way to be in several places, but safely," said Mané Ferrari, president of SanTur (Santa Catarina Tourism Development Agency) and licensed president of Acatmar (Associação Náutica Brasileira).

In Santa Catarina, marinas were also closed at the beginning of the pandemic. Acatmar's survey of companies in the sector across the country, including nautical schools and shipyards, showed that 50% of establishments had a marked reduction in customer service, and 32% recorded a moderate drop in revenue during the survey period, which took place between April 20 and May 5.

More:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/business/2020/10/demand-for-mega-yachts-in-brazil-grows.shtml

[Sherman A1]

1. I guess some folks are doing pretty well

In the midst of the pandemic..........