Grace and Beauty at Sea

The manufacturing of yachts for export is one of the newer industries in the Republic of China. The demand from abroad has increased rapidly in recent years. The export value of yachts for 1976 is estimated at US$10 million. Since 1962, when Taiwan first began to produce a few yachts monthly on a small scale at several factories, there has been a continuous endeavor by the yacht-building industry to improve the quality, learn new techniques from abroad, expand the facilities and reduce costs. In this short period the foreign market has gradually opened up. There are now more than 30 yacht-building factories in Taiwan. They export 500-600 yachts each year.

More than 20,000 workers are engaged directly or indirectly in the yacht-building industry.

Most building materials are produced locally in Taiwan, except for the engines, the sails and a few parts which are imported. Taiwan's yachts generally use fiber glass for hulls. The quality is good, the style beautiful and the price low. Handicraft is a special feature in styling. All has helped make Taiwan yachts popular among overseas buyers. The biggest market is the U.S., which takes up to 70% of Taiwan's total export volume. The Republic of China ranks second among foreign countries from which the U.S. purchases yachts. Taiwan also has a sales network in Europe, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The quality of Taiwan's yachts has won praise in various international boat shows. A special award was given a 41-meter yacht from the Republic of China in the Paris International Boat Show in August of 1974. Four yachts from Taiwan were exhibited in the 20th Southern California Boat Show in early 1976, and orders for 30 yachts were received during the show. Meanwhile, it is generally agreed, as indicated by Taiwan Transportation Equipment Show held in mid-May, 1976 in Taipei, that the prospects of greater yacht exports for the Republic of China are excellent indeed.

The standard two-mast sailboat.

Yachts under construction.

Yachts under construction.

Interiors and decorations of a yacht.

Interiors and decorations of a yacht.