The sailing industry in the limelight this week - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 19 Feb 05:00 NZDT
Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary © National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, featuring data through November 2025, showed retail and wholesale activity remained under pressure as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment continued to influence purchasing behavior. On a rolling 12-month basis (December 2024 - November 2025), retail sales fell 8.6% to 215,736 units.
Meanwhile it's time for the 12th edition of Sail America's Industry Conference (SAIC). This two-day event, specifically geared toward sailing industry professionals, will take place in Newport, RI, March 25-26. Held annually, SAIC will host speakers, industry leaders, and colleagues. The conference features a day-and-a-half of educational sessions, an industry tour, and networking events, including a reception and raffle.
Members of the global sailing and yacht racing community are invited to save the dates of November 19-20 for the 16th edition of the Yacht Racing Forum. The world's leading conference dedicated to the sport and business of sailing will once again bring together industry leaders, athletes, organisers, sponsors, and suppliers for two days of high-level conferences, debates, networking and business. Registration is now open with Early Bird Discount.
The National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) and Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) have collaborated to bring the Women's Sailing Conference to Long Beach, California. Both organizations are delighted to return to Southern California, where the founder of this women's sailing convention model, Gail Hine, conducted her conventions for over three decades. The historic Long Beach Yacht Club will be the primary venue for the conference from March 20-22.
SailGP announced today that the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team has been acquired by leading sports investor and American Magic Co-Founder, Doug DeVos. The transaction marks a major new chapter for the Danish team in the global sail racing championship, bringing together leaders in global business and high-performance sport - SailGP, ROCKWOOL, and American Magic - through a shared ambition to accelerate on-water performance and bolster the next generation of professional racing talent.
The countdown is on! Registrations are officially open for the third edition of World Boating Day (WBD) on 23 May, the global celebration that brings together the boating community, maritime enthusiasts, and curious newcomers to explore life on the water. Following two record-breaking years, WBD 2026 is set to be bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. Early registrations are already rolling in from around the world, including leading organisations.
Yanmar Power Solutions is advancing the development of next-generation fuel compatible engines to help realize a decarbonized society. In anticipation of increased production of marine and land-use engines in the future, the company has acquired land at the Phoenix industrial site in Amagasaki City, Japan. At this site, Yanmar plans to construct a new factory where activities such as test operation of marine hydrogen engines will be conducted. The new factory is scheduled to begin operations around March 2029.
Mercury Marine recently won a 2026 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) Innovation Award during the Miami International Boat Show in the Outboard Engines Category. The Awards spotlight manufacturers and suppliers delivering meaningful, forward-looking advancements to the marine industry.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media