The Summer …

This time period was characterised by the accelerating development of neo-liberal capitalism: the unfettering of restraints on big business, through laissez-faire policies, privatisation and deregulation. This policy was developed and carried out by Ronald Reagan, President of the United States from 1980 to1988, and Margaret Thatcher, British prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

On the surface, the yachting scene of the 1980s and 1990s appeared healthy. Marinas were full. A small number of companies gained control of most of the marinas, the industry leader being Marina Development Limited (MDL), with eighteen marinas in the UK. Prices were increased regularly. The pricing was such that only those in good jobs could afford their berths, but there were enough people willing and able to pay marina prices to keep them full.

Yachtspeople benefited, as competition was now international. They could get more boat for their money by buying French made boats. Jeanneau introduced the Sun-Fizz, a 44 foot Cruiser, in the early 1980s and Dufour introduced their Gib'Sea range in the mid-1980s, with aggressive marketing and promotion in the UK. Another successful French range was the Feelings, made by Kirie of Les Sables D'Olonne (later taken over by Kelt Yachts), coming onto the market in 1980. Beneteau, with its factory line production of Firsts, became the market leader.

Internet shopping was coming online by the end of the 1980s, obviating the need to be overcharged by the local monopoly chandler. With the deregulation of industry, the first years of neo-liberal capitalism seemed liberating. People talked of the age being ‘ironic’, ‘fragmenting into minority interests’ and tolerant of experimentation in the arts and in gender behaviour. This chapter shows that yachting reflected this diversity and diversification.

The Second Generation of Women Racers

There were international races around the world, such as the three-yearly, crewed Whitbread, which started in 1973, and which Volvo took over in 2001, and the brutal, single-handed, non-stop Vendée Globe. The Vendée, founded by Philippe Jeantot, was first raced in 1989 and then four-yearly from 1992.

With the much greater range of lighter materials, a new generation of successful women sailors emerged. Whereas the previous generation of women racers could not compete with the men's physical strength, this new generation could. The outstanding example was Ellen MacArthur.