A continent of untapped potential

Africa is blessed with 30,000 kilometres of coastline, some of the most pristine waters on earth, and communities with centuries of maritime heritage. Yet when most people think of Africa, they picture safaris, wildlife, and savannahs – not marinas, yachts, and superyacht hubs. This perception has limited recognition of what is, in truth, one of the greatest untapped opportunities in global boating.

As established cruising grounds in Europe and the Caribbean become crowded and expensive, yacht owners are seeking new frontiers. The African coastline and interior offer exactly what today’s owners and travellers want: authenticity, untouched beauty, and the thrill of discovery. The question is no longer if Africa belongs on the global marine stage, but how quickly it can claim its place there.

Mauritius and the Seychelles already show what is possible. Mauritius has built a regulatory framework that actively supports chartering, marina development, and marine tourism – with coastal activities now contributing 36 percent of GDP, or about US$4.3 billion annually.

The Seychelles has gone even further: tourism contributes 72 percent of GDP and employs nearly a third of the workforce, with yachting carefully integrated into conservation strategies such as marine spatial planning and the world’s first debt-for-nature swap. Both nations prove that when natural assets are supported with infrastructure and aligned policy, the results are transformative.

South Africa’s yachting scene

Cape Town already has one of the most advanced marine industries on the continent. Robertson & Caine is among the world’s largest catamaran builders, exporting hundreds of yachts each year. Southern Wind Shipyard is renowned globally for semi-custom performance sailing yachts.

Boutique yards such as Knysna Yacht Company and Voyage Yachts, along with Gemini Marine (rigid inflatables) and  Hammer Yachts highlight the sector’s depth. Ewald Engelbrecht’s The Leading Edge Marine Service is also raising the bar with boats such as the Invicta 30CC, Nemesis 2200, and Ozean.19 – designed for African waters but built to international standards with export ambitions.

Among the international players supporting ABC 2025 is Victron Energy, a Dutch company marking its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1975, Victron has grown into a global leader in off-grid and marine power solutions, known for its reliable inverter/chargers, solar integration, and smart monitoring systems. For the marine sector, their “Blue Power” range has become a benchmark in energy independence – trusted everywhere from Arctic expeditions to remote Pacific islands. In Africa, where marinas, fishing fleets, and tourism ventures often operate in areas with unreliable grid power, Victron’s systems are already making an impact, powering coastal communities and supporting yacht operators with clean, resilient energy.

Then there’s Seascape Marine Services, dealers for YANMAR among other brands, have  strong network all over Africa.

The city’s marine economy is anchored by the V&A Waterfront, both a cultural landmark and a working harbour for fishing fleets, commercial vessels, and superyachts. At ABC 2025, Andre Blaine, Executive Manager, Marine & Industrial, will present the V&A’s long-term infrastructure plans – positioning Cape Town as Africa’s premier marine destination.

Connecting the regions: Africa in the Great Southern Route

One of the recurring themes of the African Boating Conference will be connectivity – how Africa integrates into the global superyacht and cruising network. For almost two decades, Ocean Media’s Great Southern Route has served as the definitive passage guide for yachts crossing the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. Each edition has expanded the map, giving captains and owners the confidence to explore further afield with detailed routing, regulatory, and port information.

The next edition, GSR5, will include Africa as a dedicated chapter – reflecting the continent’s emergence as both a destination and a strategic waypoint.

From Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar, Africa offers essential links between the established cruising grounds of the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australasia.

For yacht owners, captains, and charter operators, this inclusion is about more than plotting courses. It acknowledges Africa’s growing infrastructure, reliable services, and world-class experiences. Just as earlier editions of GSR opened pathways through regions once overlooked, Africa now stands ready to take its place on the global map.

The economic case

Recreational boating has often been dismissed by policymakers as a luxury pursuit. The reality is very different. Every boat built supports multiple supply chains. Every marina sustains local service providers and hospitality businesses. Every charter, rally, or regatta delivers significant value to coastal communities. Mauritius and the Seychelles recognise this. South Africa’s builders prove it.

The rest of the continent now needs to see boating as economic infrastructure – a catalyst for jobs, exports, and skills. This is one of the central aims of the African Boating Conference: to show policymakers and industry together the sector’s measurable economic impact.

Learning from global leaders

International examples highlight what’s possible when vision meets strategy. Australia’s national superyacht plan – with coordinated policy reform, infrastructure investment, and joint industry-government promotion – transformed the country into a leading Asia-Pacific hub worth billions annually. Croatia integrated nautical tourism into its national brand. Oman has paired cultural identity with marine experiences. Each demonstrates that marine tourism thrives when it is embedded into broader tourism and economic frameworks.

For Africa, these lessons are clear: success requires more than enthusiasm; it demands collaboration, planning, and government partnership.

Tourism’s multiplier effect

The case for marine tourism is especially compelling. When a superyacht docks, the benefits extend well beyond the marina: provisioning, crew services, local tours, cultural excursions, and hospitality all share in the uplift. In many cases, these opportunities reach communities where traditional industries are in decline.

The challenge is managing growth in a way that balances visitor expectations with authenticity. This is where Africa has an advantage: pristine coastlines, cultural diversity, and a sense of place that seasoned travellers are actively seeking.

Building a roadmap for growth

ABC 2025 will focus on turning international best practice into an African roadmap. Delegates will explore how to:
– Expand marina and port infrastructure to welcome yachts and cruise vessels
– Align policies to ease entry, charter, and extended stays for foreign-flagged vessels
– Integrate marine tourism into national tourism strategies
– Create skills pathways that bring coastal communities into the blue economy
– Leverage regattas and events as high-visibility platforms for investment and visitors

This is about designing solutions, not just discussing challenges – and creating a shared framework that positions Africa for sustainable growth.

An experience beyond the conference

While ABC 2025 is about strategy, innovation, and growth, it is also designed as an immersive experience. Day One opens with keynotes and panels, balanced with networking breaks, lunches hosted by WESGRO, and a cocktail reception at the V&A Waterfront. Day Two offers a choice between behind-the-scenes tours of leading boatbuilders and a wine farm excursion. The event concludes with cocktails at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, a fitting finale overlooking Cape Town harbour.

Why I’m going

In two decades of covering this industry, I’ve seen that growth happens when people connect – when owners meet builders, when policymakers hear directly from the sector, when stories inspire investment. The African Boating Conference is where those connections will take place.

It’s where Africa will present its vision and where the global industry can discover a new frontier. For me, ABC 2025 is both a professional milestone and a personal adventure. Africa’s marine story is just beginning. The potential is vast.

Beyond the conference: Africa’s safari magic

Africa is also about more than its oceans. As part of my first visit, I will experience some of its most remarkable safari destinations. Before the conference, I’m staying at  Tintswalo Boulders, perched above Boulders Beach with views of the penguin colony – a rare chance to combine marine and wildlife experiences.

After the event, I’ll spend time in Kruger Park at  Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Game Reserve and then  Singita Sweni Lodge in the Sabi Sands.

The inaugural African Boating Conference runs 21 & 22 October 2025.

africanboatingconference.com

 

 

Hosted by

Superyacht Cape Town

With thanks

The African Boating Conference 2025 is made possible through the support of its sponsors and partners:

Host venue

V&A Waterfront

Gold sponsor

Pesto Sea Group – South Africa

Silver sponsors

Seascape Marine Services 

FFS (Fuel Bunkering)

Victron Energy

Cocktail event sponsors

Motor and Sail Investment Yachts  

Vetus

Session sponsors

Ullman Sails  

ABS Maritime Services  

Madagascar Yacht Services 

Madascarenes

Hospitality sponsors

MDM Marine Services  

The Leading Edge Marine Services  

Lourensford Wine Estate  

Neil Ellis Wines 

Shimansky

Supporting partners

Invest Cape Town  

OSASA  

WESGRO

Blue Cape 

SABBEX