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11-04-2011
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Posts: 1,372
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Slow growth of sailing in China
This story is interesting in itself, but also interesting from the perspective that sailing in China is slowly but steadily growing.
I don't think I would like to be part of an 8-person crew on a 50 footer for a quick circum nav. Seems like a pretty crowded situation but I imagine they are pushing pretty hard (7 months) and comfort is not what they are focussed on.
The moneyed class in China is obviously growing like crazy and there is a huge growth in demand for leisure activities: travel and sports come to mind. Golf is booming but it is hard to get enough land for a golf course in the parts of the country where the people and demand are. Powerboating is ahead of sailing because it is seen as 'easier' - like drivng a car on water (not saying it is true, just that that is the perception). The Olympics exposed sailing to the Chinese as did the Chinese entry in America's Cup - although that was overwhelmingly foreign talent - but Chinese money of course.
Will be interesting to see where this goes. We were thinking very seriously about cruising in China but it is still complicated. They don't understand the concept of a couple wandering around the oceans and not needing much in the way of help or control. They want to treat you like a ship with requirements for pilots and the like, so it gets very expensive, very soon.
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