According to Jersey Harbourmaster, Capt. Brian Nibbs, 7,000 yachts visit Jersey each year, bringing 25,000 sailors to the island who spend around £4.5 million in shops, restaurants and chandlers. A recent review of the Jersey Harbour operations has identified the marine leisure industry as one of the main growth areas.

...and the down side'

On the other side of the same coin, contributor Colin Jones, sends the following sad tale:
Cala Teulera is a beautiful, enclosed anchorage near the entrance to Mahon Harbour, Menorca. It's sometimes used by up to 50 yachts, free of charge, even though the Harbour Authority has the right to demand a fee. But all this might change, following a reunion beach party attended by the yachts (95 percent UK registered) who wintered at Aguadulce. They left behind enough rubbish to fill 20 bags along with the remains of a huge barbecue fIre full of cans, metal grilles and dozens of bottles.
Disgusted locals complained to Mahon Council and their message was plain: British liveaboar-d crews are usually on a tight budget. They anchor forfree and contribute little to the local economy. They say thank you for our hospitality by spoiling a family beach. We should set a mooring char-ge high enough to keep them away. We don't want such people here.
Fortunately, the balance was restored somewhat by a British crew who tidied up the mess, even though they hadn't been to the party...