We were just looking through our notes, mainly the releases, the information received over the last few months in the editorial offices. Not many compared to what we were used to a couple of seasons ago, about half at a guess. To us, whose job it is to communicate, downsizing stands out like a sore thumb, a sad confirmation of what is happening in the world of superyachts. The tension, the good vibes that we used to get through press releases about new projects afoot, the news flashes, the reports on new contracts, companies' financial growth well into double figures, are all a thing of the past. Now, taking a broader view at the market and cross-checking the few reliable information pieces we get with the findings of our journalists out in the field of marinas and shipyards, as well as officiating at all the main Boat Show events of the new season, the fact that the whole sector is downsizing at all levels, is blatantly obvious. The ships sold, that is the boats over 24 metres in length, are very few. Sales of the very large boats are a true rarity, those for the mega ones are quite an exception. In a word, the market seems to have contracted back to where it was ten, maybe even twenty years ago in terms of average length of the hulls ordered. As a result, those who principally produced large and very large yachts, now appear to be clearly oriented towards cutting back their range length, still keeping slots open for business but to produce more "humane" dimensions. The speed aficionados, an expensive passion at sea, also seem to be downsizing to the tunes of "slow and steady wins the race" thus spending much less. No surprise then that the semidisplacing hulls are having the better time right now. More or less vintage vessels, classics or classic looking, even sporting a round bilged stern, metal but also composite made, ranging between 30 and 40 metres in length with which to cruise at night and lull in the bays in the day, enjoying independence away from bustling harbours for days or even weeks. Things appear to be considerably better sailing yacht wise even though the market is still difficult. Owners of these boats also seem to have the will to go far afield hence the rather lively interest in the ocean goers, not so slick perhaps but performing boats nonetheless, undoubtedly solid, high in comfort and low in crew numbers, however, well over the top in terms of servo-assists and on board instruments. Finally, also the whimsical tastes of the owners seem to have taken a setback, in becoming more low key and sober as less trendy designs and fittings seem now to prevail, flash is out. In conclusion the downsize phenomenon is across the board, in many ways there seems to be a return to the past, to a minor kind of superyacht. It is probably a transitory phase, hopefully a brief one as possible, but it will no doubt contribute to rebuilding the whole system which we hope will be a little healthier and more mature.