Economic perception, shifting demand force U.S. builders to diversify

摘要

Despite a notable increase in 60-meter-plus contracts being signed by European yacht builders, production remains slow at most U.S. yards - and nonexistent at some. "What we are seeing now is the perfect storm against U.S. yacht builders," said Billy Smith, former vice president of sales and marketing at Trinity Yachts. "It was the recession at first that affected newbuilds, then it became politically incorrect to be wealthy and now it's the exchange rate."