Spain’s sea sports sector is facing new timing amid possible storms, as De Antonio Yachts marks a decade of activity and stands as a clear example of industrial renewal and resilience in today’s market. After a brutal crisis in 2008 that left thousands of boats idle, many second-hand vessels sunk, and several projects halted, the industry began a slow revival that gradually picked up pace toward a more solid baseline. De Antonio Yachts has grown into a leading Spanish brand with strong domestic sales and steady export activity. The company anticipates finishing 2022 with revenue near 25 million euros, up from about 15 million in 2021. The group continues to strengthen its footprint in Poland, adding two production facilities of 5,000 square meters each and employing around 240 workers.
Even with this momentum, De Antonio Yachts faces frequent market headwinds. In the first half of the year, Spain registered 3,552 pleasure boats, a 15% drop from 4,190 in the same period of 2021. Industry observers like Carlos Sanlorenzo, secretary general of the Anen sector employers association, expect the Barcelona Boat Show in October to act as a catalyst to stimulate activity and help close 2022, a year already hit by economic volatility, inflation pressures, and ongoing supply disruptions that affect ship deliveries. The upcoming America’s Sailing Cup in 2024 is viewed as a potential driver for shipyard recovery and global visibility around the industry.
De Antonio Yachts positions itself as a modern shipyard for sailors who have looked abroad for two decades and faced limited access to the domestic market. Its D36 Open model is built in Almería under an agreement with Lema Boats, while D28, D42, and D50 models are assembled in Poland. The D28 Formentor E-Hybrid, developed in collaboration with Cupra, highlights the brand’s push toward innovative propulsion. New eras bring new partners and new possibilities.
Founders Marc de Antonio and Stan Chmielewski have crafted simple yet avant-garde lines that appeal to owners who value design and refined voyages rather than extensive cruising. In ten years, eight models have joined the lineup, produced across Spain and Poland in an ecosystem that now spans more than 10,000 square meters of production space. The company maintains an office in Marina Vela, Barcelona, underscoring its strong foothold in the Mediterranean market.
The year 2021 closed with 65 deliveries and a notable rise in revenue compared to the previous year. With 75 boats sold and 85 units approved for 2023, production is increasingly booked for 2024. Export remains a vital pillar, accounting for a majority share of sales at a time when European markets face uncertainty. Near-term goals focus on expanding the sustainable model lineup, reducing environmental impact through recycled materials, and integrating a hybrid system across the portfolio. The plan also anticipates the first all-electric models launching in 2024, signaling a broader commitment to green mobility on the water.
The shipyard is set to unveil its latest model, the D50 Coupé, at a Cannes event in early September. Optimism centers on the D36 Open, an evolution of the D34 featuring a walkable deck around the wheelhouse and options for bespoke configurations tailored to individual owners. Production targets include a limited run of 60 units for this model. The boats are not for everyone, but they captivate enthusiasts who seek distinctive design and quality. Prices start around 130,000 euros for the D28 Tender, reflecting a strategy that balances profitability with refined, compact pleasure craft. The emphasis remains on renovation, design, and a clear understanding of market demand.
Cupra stands as a partner in this reimagining of sailing’s future. The De Antonio Yachts Cupra D28 Formentor e-Hybrid blends an internal combustion engine with two electric motors, and the concept of concealed outboard motors has become a practical approach to lowering costs and simplifying maintenance for owners.