The Personal is Political. The Political is Personal.

 
The Yachting Type

Perhaps there is a way to test the theory behind one man's "simple Crawford, Texas economic lesson."

The theory states that, "[When [y]ou've got plenty of money in your pocket, and when you spend it, it drives the economy forward."

Despite what some doomsayers might say, the "plenty of money" must be going somewhere (.pdf), right? Then where is it being spent? Where are the bright spots in the economy?

Take heart.

"Worldwide market demand for mega-yachts is currently exploding with approximately 425 yachts in excess of 80 feet under construction, a 35% increase in orders over last year," says Platinum Super Yachts, Inc. "Within the industry, the larger custom yachts have experienced highest percentage of growth."

In fact, this particular sector of the economy, for some mysterious reason, has been booming for the past couple of years. "We have not seen any signs of a recession. In fact, last year was the best year we've had in 20 years," an industry spokesperson in the UK told CNN. Another added, "We had budgeted to increase sales from the previous year by about 12 percent, but we actually increased sales by 23 percent."

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise, good things have been happening in some parts of the American economy. If I had a billion or two to invest, I would definitely learn a thing or two about this area.

As one press release from last month analyzed the situation:

"There are a number of factors involved that are helping the luxury yacht industry -- in particular superyachts (80+ feet in length) -- begin the new year on such a high note," said Kaye Pearson, president of Yachting Promotions, Inc., producers of the Yacht & Brokerage Show. "There is a lot of good news to report. The Dow has been holding steady at the 10,000+ mark, unemployment is shrinking and affluent consumer confidence is exceptionally strong. Buyers for big boats are back."

Who could blame the "affluent consumer"? Who could resist a product like, for example, the Westport 130' Tri-Deck?

The overhead chandelier is 24 karat gold and silver nickel with hand blown glass. Twin outboard buffets with granite tops of Giallo Playa have a center buffet to match. A 42" plasma flat screen TV rises out of the center buffet. The carpet is by Fabrica, the silver by Christolfe and the crystal from Baccarat.

Price tag a mere $13 million.

Even a trip down to Florida for one of the boat shows would be nice:

Luxury yacht owners and their staffs offered potential buyers strawberries dipped in chocolate, beverages, even complimentary nights in a nearby hotel.

And, in possible confirmation of a "simple Crawford, Texas economic lesson," more benefits to the industry's perhaps slightly overworked employees may be resulting. As one company owner put it:

Due to increasing demand, double shifting of our workforce was begun in 2002.

Can an enormous surge in the ribs industry possibly be far behind?










posted by TiR at 8:09 PM