New builds in 2005 in the European market
The production rate in categories below 42m allow a more accurate annual evaluation than those in longer categories (the latter are subject to longer production schedules inherent for yachts above 42m. De facto, the figures presented in this report for yachts longer than 42m have not significantly changed but are likely be more complete in a future study).

In most of the categories between 24 and 42m, European construction in 2005 showed an overall increase, notably in the 30-33m and 37-42m ranges with a 50% progression.

New orders in 2006 in the world market
The progression of new orders for delivery in 2006 (+7,9%) follows the exceptionally strong year 2005 and reflects the excellent performance of the international luxury yachting market sector for several years now.

More and more motor yachts…
World growth is principally due to an increase in motor yacht orders between 24 and 36m and above 45m (see table Yearly New Yacht Orders by Length).

The length of new builds in 2006 has also progressed with 24,94 km versus 22,50 km in 2005, due notably to the increase of projects greater than 45m. The average length of a yacht in 2006 has increased to 36,25m, compared with 34,56m last year (see table Average Yacht Length).

…fewer and fewer sailing yachts
Since 2002, the sailing yacht market has not benefited from the overall strength of international luxury yachting as recorded by a further decline of 8% in 2006; two important projects above 45m, however, are underway (including a 90m one planned by the German builders Lürssen).

Corporate industrial and commercial strength
Agreements, acquisitions, mergers… today's yachting companies are structured as powerful economic groups in a hierarchy dominated by the two leading Italian firms, Azimut-Benetti and the Ferretti Group, in the TOP 20 shipyards in 2006.

Development of yacht building countries in 2006
The leadership of the Italian shipyards Azimut-Benetti and the Ferretti Group reflects the domination of Italy in the international luxury yachting marketplace with a combined length of projects under construction nearly tripling the second-ranking United States.

Although Denmark has only gained one place in the TOP 10 of yacht building countries (8th), it has doubled its number of projects (29, versus 15 last year). The Danish shipyard Royal Denship alone accounts for its country's entire production thanks to a large order from British Peters plc.

The United States (2nd) and the United Kingdom (4th) recorded a slight decline compared with 2005, but this did not change their current position.

China continues to climb with 36 new orders (versus 23 in 2005), even out-pacing neighboring Taiwan in total metric length.