BusinessWeak pound fuels demand for luxury yachtsThe UK’s boat and yacht industry’s revenues rose 3.4% to £3.1 billion in the year to April 2017Carl Court/Getty ImagesJoanna Hodgson10 January 2018Boat sales in Britain have been buoyed to levels not seen since before the financial crisis as the super-rich took advantage of the weakened pound, it has emerged. New figures from trade body British Marine were released as 330 firms headed to the opening of the London Boat Show. Exhibitors include Sunseeker International, which has unveiled its latest Sunseeker 76 yacht. Prices for the model, which features a cocktail bar and hot tub, start from £2.5 million.British Marine said the UK’s boat and yacht industry’s revenues rose 3.4% to £3.1 billion in the year to April 2017. The figures cover everything from sales of luxury vessels to income from barge holidays. Exports increased by 4.7% to £924 million.British Marine said the weaker pound since the Brexit vote has attracted tourists to the UK and encouraged “staycations”.Firms such as Discovery Yachts said weaker sterling attracted wealthy buyers from North America last year.However, British Marine warned there are potential challenges from Brexit, including future recruitment.
