Buoyant year for yacht dealer

Ancasta International Boat Sales is one of the largest yacht brokerages in Europe, selling new and used power and sail boats.

It operates from 23 offices and has 40 brokers and 45,000 active buyers, with its team concluding deals across more over 30 nationalities.

For the year to 31 August 2021, the company reported revenue of £31.9m compared to £17.1m the prior period.

Pre-tax profits also soared from £19,006 to £1.54m.

In a strategic report signed off by management, Ancasta noted that turnover had returned to levels seen pe-pandemic as demand across the marine industry grew.

The strong performance also meant it reversed some of the cost-cutting decisions made in 2020.

"Demand for used boats remains strong, making the brokerage market very competitive," it said. "However, the company is focussed on maintaining margins by drawing on its reputation for bringing well presented, quality used boats to the market.

"The new boat market is buoyant, although global supply issues mean that availability and lead times are limiting opportunities in some areas.

"The company is responding by securing future stock where possible, and utilising the considerable technical and aftersales expertise available across the wider Ancasta group to overcome product shortages."

A spokesman for Ancasta told Insider: "The marine industry, like holiday homes and campervans, etc, have all seen an increase in demand over the past couple of years.

"We have also become UK dealers for Italian brands Sanlorenzo and Bluegame, which is generating fantastic interest in the UK and is allowing us to concentrate on the aftersales service we deliver for our clients."

Ancasta holds the distribution rights for Beneteau Sail and Power, Prestige Motor Yachts, Lagoon Catamarans, McConaghy and Bluegame.

Source: Insider Media Limited