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Domestic Tourism Proves a Boost for British Boating Industry, New Figures Show

20th March 2021
Domestic Tourism Proves a Boost for British Boating Industry, New Figures Show

Demand for boats and other watercraft has grown during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, according to industry body British Marine.

The rebound last summer — following a dramatic 40% sales slump between March and May 2020 as the first lockdowns were imposed — appears to have been fuelled by a surge in domestic tourism amid curtailments on international travel.

Data from Boats Group shows that overall sales from June to the end of the year grew more than 50% over the same period in 2019.

And some of the biggest gains were in more expensive (>£100,000) boats, which in 2020 enjoyed an 18% rise in unit sales over the previous year.

“Last summer we were seeing evidence and hearing regular news about the staycation effect and boom in sales for leisure marine businesses,” British Marine chief executive Lesley Robinson said.

“However I am delighted that these anecdotal stories are now backed up with the empirical data.”

MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Irish Sailing & Boating

Since restrictions began in March 2020, the Government is preparing for a 'controlled and gradual return to sport' and the 2020 sailing fixtures are being tentatively redrafted by yacht clubs, rowing clubs angling and diving clubs across Ireland as the country enters a new phase in dealing with the Coronavirus. The hope is that a COVID-19 restrictions might be eased by May 5th as Sport Ireland has asked national governing bodies for information on the challenges they face. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) everyone has been asked to stay at home. But some people may need to do more than this.

You may need to either:

You do these things to stop other people from getting coronavirus.

Read advice for people in at-risk groups

Read advice about cocooning.

Restricted movements

Everybody in Ireland has been asked to stay at home. You should only go out for a few reasons, such as shopping for food.

But you need to restrict your movements further if you: 

  • live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, but you feel well
  • are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus
  • have returned to Ireland from another country

You need to restrict your movements for at least 14 days.

But if the person you live with has had a test and it is negative, you don't need to wait 14 days. You should still follow the advice for everyone - stay at home as much as possible.

Close contact

This is only a guide but close contact can mean:

  • spending more than 15 minutes of face-to-face contact within 2 metres of an infected person
  • living in the same house or shared accommodation as an infected person

How to restrict your movements 

Follow the advice for everybody - stay at home.