Benighted UK marine businesses, struggling for export inspiration, should take a leaf out of a French company which is making a mint out of selling flat-pack marinas to China!

The latest 250-berth marina which can take yachts of between 12 to 60 m, is due to be completed later this year at Shimei Bay on Hainan Island in southern China.

But the typhoon-resistant breakwaters – able to withstand 7m breakers, reducing them to 60cm wavelets – were built at Port in the Ain, France by Poralu Marine, which employs 120 staff and has an annual turnover of 19 million euros.

‘China has great development potential in a market where yachting is making its debut. The marina is now seen by developers and their clients as an indispensable element in large volume, high end property projects.’