Could China Build Yachts Cheaper Than Cars?

Could yachts really become cheaper than cars? In this conversation, Katia and I discuss the surprising story of JD.com founder Richard Liu and his reported plan to build affordable, green yachts in China through a new venture called Sea Expandary. Reports suggest the aim is to produce boats at around $14,000, with a major investment behind the project and a focus on making boating accessible to ordinary salaried workers. But is that really possible? And are we talking about yachts, or should we really be calling them boats? We also discuss why boating remains so expensive in places like the UK, whether China could use scale and manufacturing capacity to open boating up to a much wider audience, and why you do not need a superyacht to enjoy life on the water. Also in this episode: A major lawsuit involving Below Deck and NBC Universal, with former cast member Emile Kotze reportedly seeking damages over allegations relating to his time on the show. NBCUniversal has denied wrongdoing and the case is ongoing. The first look inside BREAKTHROUGH, Feadship’s 118.8 metre hydrogen fuel cell superyacht, including her remarkable owner’s area and underwater lounge. A viewer question about why sailing yacht hulls are shaped differently to motor yacht hulls, and whether it would be possible to create a proper beach club on a sailing yacht. And finally, we talk about what we have been filming recently, what is coming up on the Yachts For Sale channel, and the launch of our new Yacht Podcasts channel, where Katia and I discuss what happens behind the scenes on our yacht video shoots. If you enjoy yacht walkthroughs, yachting industry news, and conversations about the world of yacht brokerage, make sure you subscribe to Yachts For Sale and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Could yachts ever really become affordable for ordinary people? To follow Katia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/theyachtwriter Follow us also on YouTube @Yachtsforsaleblog @YachtsforCharter @yachtbuilders And our partner's channels: @MarineMaxOnline @FraseryachtsSuperyachtSales @NorthropJohnson If you are interested in becoming a yacht broker: www.yachtbrokermasterclass.com And if you would like to keep updated on events at the Yachts For Sale YouTube team you can join the free INSIDE INFO newsletter at www.yachtsforsaleblog.com