The nautical sector in Spain

by Fira de Barcelona on 7 Oct 2014 Registration of recreational boats increased by 13.27% from January to August 2014 in comparison to the same period the previous year (3,516 units were registered until August). Catalonia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands were, in this order, the three leading autonomous communities in the market in that period.

Boats less than 8m in length continue to be most in demand: during the first eight months of 2014 they accounted for 90% of registrations, including jet skis (88% if not included).

However, in 2014, the segment of boats over eight metres has significantly increased. Boats with a length over 16m increased by 48% (from 23 registrations in the first eight months of 2013 to 34 units this year). Those from 12 to 16 m in length have increased by 27% (from 64 registrations in January-August 2013 to 81 this year).

According to types, motor boats continue to dominate the market and account for 42% of total registrations. This year, however, all segments have increased, from folding inflatables (55%) to sailing boats (22%).

The boat rental market grew by 63% from January to August 2014 in comparison to the same period in 2013. In the first eight months, 340 boats were rented. This figure even exceeds that of 2007, the last year with positive results for the sector before the economic crisis.

In terms of nautical facilities, the number of marinas or sports docks in Spain amounted to 368 in December 2013, the same number as the previous year.

The total number of moorings amounted to 132,930 in December 2013 (132,948 in 2012).

23% of moorings are located in Catalonia, 17% in the Balearic Islands and 15% in Andalusia.
In terms of licences in marinas, in 2013 the different federations granted 187,141 licences in total in the different nautical sports (including fishing).

Sailing accounts for 28% of licences in nautical sports (if fishing is included and 41% if not). In 2013 the number of licences granted for this sport was 51,514.

Scuba diving activities account for 17.6% of nautical licences, including fishing (25.5% without).

In 2013, the number of nautical sports clubs in Spain was 3,604, including fishing clubs (2,250 if not included). There has been a decrease of 15% in the number of clubs in comparison to the previous Salon Nautico