With the economic turbulence impacting on affordability for some potential buyers of super-yachts, property in France and other popular holiday destinations could offer a land-based alternative.
Michael Enser, group marketing manager for National Boat Shows, says the super-rich end of the market is still performing strongly as, rather than facing financial difficulties, those individuals are simply "20 per cent less super-rich" as a result of the recession.
However, further down the market, some families are facing the choice of paying for private education or shelling out the seven-figure amounts charged for private yachts.
"It's a decision between school fees and a new bit of kit or a new boat – and the responsible parents will always go with school fees first," says Mr Enser.
Land-based property in France and other European destinations could be the ideal alternative, offering somewhere to spend holidays without continual crew and mooring fees to pay.
