In the world of boat rentals, Click&Boat has emerged as a trailblazer, revolutionizing the way people experience the seas. Founded in 2013 by French entrepreneurs Edouard Gorioux and Jérémy Bismuth, the company has grown from a modest startup to a global leader in the peer-to-peer boat rental industry. Often referred to as the “Airbnb of the Seas” by CNN, Click&Boat has recently made headlines with its strategic expansion into the United States, opening its first full-scale U.S. office in Miami, Florida. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, as it seeks to tap into the lucrative American boating market.
Miami: The Gateway to the U.S. Boating Market
Miami, often dubbed the “Yachting Capital of the World,” is an ideal location for Click&Boat’s U.S. headquarters. The city’s vibrant boating culture, coupled with its strategic location in Florida, makes it a prime hub for the recreational marine industry. Miami is home to the prestigious Miami International Boat Show, an event that attracts boating enthusiasts from around the globe. The city’s bustling Wynwood Arts District, where Click&Boat’s new office is located, is a hotspot for innovation and creativity, making it the perfect environment for a tech-driven company like Click&Boat.
The new office is hosted in The Lab, Miami’s original co-working space, which has become a launchpad for numerous tech startups. The Lab, housed in a former 10,000-square-foot warehouse, is home to over 130 startups and entrepreneurs, offering a collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and networking. For Click&Boat, which values employee well-being and a convivial work atmosphere, The Lab provides the ideal setting to scale its U.S. operations.
The Booming Boating Industry in South Florida
South Florida’s recreational marine and boating industry is a powerhouse, with an estimated annual economic impact of $12 billion. According to a study conducted by Thomas J. Murray and Associates on behalf of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the industry supports around 142,000 jobs in the region. South Florida alone accounts for approximately one-third of the boating industry’s economic impact in the United States, making it a critical market for Click&Boat’s expansion.
The region’s favorable climate, extensive coastline, and affluent population make it a hotspot for boating enthusiasts. From luxury yachts to small sailboats, the demand for boat rentals in South Florida is robust. Click&Boat’s entry into this market is timely, as the company aims to capitalize on the growing trend of peer-to-peer boat rentals, which offer a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional boat rental services.
A European Approach to the U.S. Market
Click&Boat’s expansion into the U.S. market is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The company first dipped its toes into the American market in 2016, setting up a small operation in Miami to “test the waters.” The initial success was overwhelming, with U.S. bookings increasing by 338% in the summer of 2018 compared to the previous year. This rapid growth encouraged the company to establish a full-fledged office in Miami, solidifying its presence in the U.S.
Today, the U.S. is Click&Boat’s fifth-largest market, with 7% of the platform’s registered renters based in the country. The company’s U.S. fleet has quadrupled in size, growing from 200 to 1,000 boats within just two years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the company’s ability to plug a gap in the market, offering a unique blend of European sailing culture and innovative technology.
Edouard Gorioux, Click&Boat’s co-founder, attributes the company’s success in the U.S. to its European roots. “Perhaps we have brought a whiff of Europe’s strong sailing culture and tradition to the U.S.,” he said. The company’s European approach, characterized by an emphasis on resource optimization and agility, has enabled it to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market with ease. “As a European company, we can do more with less. We are just used to that,” added Jeremy Bismuth, the company’s other co-founder.
The Digital Sharing Economy: A Game-Changer for Boat Rentals
Click&Boat’s success is a reflection of the broader trend towards the digital sharing economy, which has transformed industries ranging from hospitality to transportation. The company’s platform connects boat owners with renters, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience that can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. With over 150,000 members and more than 22,000 boats available in 30 countries, Click&Boat has become a global leader in the boat rental industry.
The platform allows boat owners to list their vessels for free, providing them with an opportunity to offset the high costs of boat ownership, including maintenance, mooring, and insurance. On average, boats are used only 10 days per year, making boat rental platforms like Click&Boat an attractive option for owners looking to monetize their assets. Renters, on the other hand, benefit from a wide range of options, from small sailing boats to luxury super yachts, all available at the click of a button.
A Diverse Fleet for Every Budget
One of Click&Boat’s key strengths is its diverse fleet, which caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Rentals start at just €55 ($68) per day for a small sailing boat in La Rochelle, France, and can go up to €250,000 per week for a 52-meter super yacht in Cannes, complete with a private captain. The platform also offers unique experiences, such as the opportunity to rent the personal sailing boat of François Gabart, the world’s fastest solo sailor. Gabart’s 9-meter Fora Marine RM890 yacht, available for rent in Brittany, France, costs €1,650 per week for six people.
Gabart, who broke the solo round-the-world sailing record in December 2017, is not just a boat owner but also an investor in Click&Boat. His involvement underscores the company’s commitment to promoting sailing culture and making boating accessible to a wider audience. “The founders of Click&Boat quickly realized the potential of the collaborative economy for boaters,” Gabart said. “Today, the platform opens up new opportunities for the professional sector. This is the future of boating.”
Competition in the Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Market
While Click&Boat has established itself as a leader in the peer-to-peer boat rental market, it is not without competition. Other players in the space include GetMyBoat, founded in San Francisco in 2013, which boasts 90,000 boat rentals worldwide, and Boatsetter, which acquired competitor Boatbound and now has a fleet of over 4,000 vessels. These companies offer a range of services, from traditional boat rentals to unique experiences like fishing charters, surfing lessons, and diving tours.
Despite the competition, Click&Boat remains confident in its ability to dominate the market. The company’s global ambitions are clear, with Gorioux stating, “Our target is to become the international leader, as Airbnb is for apartments.” The company’s focus on making boating accessible to everyone, regardless of their sailing experience, sets it apart from its competitors. “Only less than 10% of the population knows how to sail a boat, so it’s very important for us to allow everyone to discover the sea and to find a boat in a cheaper way,” Gorioux added.
Expanding Horizons: From Europe to the World
Click&Boat’s expansion into the U.S. is just one part of its broader strategy to become a global leader in the boat rental industry. The company has already established a strong presence in Europe, with major operations in boating destinations such as the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. The European market, while more fragmented than the U.S., has provided Click&Boat with valuable lessons in resource optimization and adaptability.
In March 2019, the company opened a new office in Marseille, France, to consolidate its leading position in the European boat rental industry. The move followed a successful funding round in June 2018, where Click&Boat raised approximately €4 million to fuel its expansion. The company’s ability to navigate different cultural and legal frameworks has been a key factor in its success, both in Europe and the U.S.
The Future of Click&Boat
As Click&Boat continues to expand its footprint, the company remains committed to its core mission: making boating accessible to everyone. With its innovative platform, diverse fleet, and strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Click&Boat is well-positioned to become the global leader in the boat rental industry. The company’s success in the U.S. is a testament to its ability to adapt to new markets and meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
For those who have always dreamed of setting sail on their own private yacht, Click&Boat has made that dream a reality. With just a few taps on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, anyone can now embark on a boating adventure, whether it’s a leisurely cruise along the French Riviera or an exhilarating journey through the waters of Miami. As Click&Boat continues to grow, the possibilities are endless, and the seas are calling. What are you waiting for?
Happy boating!
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