Clearly, the Second-hand Multihull and Refit Show never ceases to surprise us.
With catamarans and trimarans from 40 to more than 60 feet with sails or engines, there was something for everyone in terms of affordability. The 5000 visitors who came for this seventh edition really enjoyed seeing them. People came from a long way away to stroll along the pontoons in the harbour in Canet-en-Roussillon, which were specially arranged for the event, in order to find the boat of their dreams.
While more than thirty multihulls were registered, only twenty or so remained for sale on the opening Thursday. People are just as keen on these boats as ever and some brokers saw sales accelerate, prompted by purchasers who wanted to avoid missing out on a bargain.
“That’s what makes this market so tricky today,” explained one of them. “Demand is high, products are rare and so buyers are spurred on by the fear that an opportunity will slip by,” while another added, “The show is a victim of its own success.”
Thanks to its reputation and the fact that it specialises in multihulls, the marine hub in Canet-en-Roussillon has strengthened its position at the forefront of sales, trading and the refit of catamarans and trimarans with this unique show.
They have also shown their ability to plan ahead with the addition this year alongside the show of a marine sector job fair thanks to an initiative from the town of Canet-en-Roussillon and the Occitanie Region and the encouragement of the profession. That is why the area in front of the ONIRIA Aquarium was for several days transformed into an open air ‘classroom and networking centre’.
Similarly, the conferences run by Christian BUCHET, the patron of honour of this edition, and Tamara KLINK who came to share their experience and passion for the sea, were highly successful. The well-informed public (including the singer and sailor ANTOINE) took their seats in the conference area to immerse themselves in the incredible story of this sailor originally from Brazil, who set off alone across the Atlantic with a boat bought for the price of a bicycle. They also enjoyed listening to the fascinating Christian BUCHET, a marine and ocean expert, and were able to talk with him. More of that please!
This show, which is certainly ahead of its time, can look forward to some good times to come. It will be ready and be in its rightful place the day this thriving market is back in balance, or when the supply becomes higher than the demand … who knows?
The next Second-hand Multihull and Refit Show will take place in October 2023!
