ABS MARITIME SPONSORS SUPERYACHT ROUTE DEVELOPMENT SESSION AT AFRICAN BOATING CONFERENCE

Leading Maritime Agency Backs Strategic Initiative to Establish Southern Africa as Premier Global Superyacht Destination

The African Boating Conference is proud to announce that ABS Maritime has committed as the presenting sponsor of the pivotal session “Charting New Horizons – Establishing a Superyacht Route around Southern Africa” at the inaugural conference taking place on 21-22 October 2025 in Cape Town.

This landmark session, moderated by Hillary Buckman, Founder and Director of Ocean Media Australia, will bring together industry specialists to collaboratively map out how to transform Africa’s dramatic coastline—from Mozambique’s pristine waters to Namibia’s rugged shores—into the world’s next premier superyacht cruising circuit.

“South Africa is steadily gaining interest as an emerging destination for superyachts and expedition vessels,” said Leroy Basson, Managing Director of ABS Maritime. “Our entry into the superyacht support market marks an exciting step as we help lay the foundation for future growth in the region. Sponsoring this event allows us to engage with industry leaders and highlight Africa’s potential as a compelling and world-class yachting destination in the making.”

Strategic Route Development with Industry Leaders

The session features an exceptional panel of route development specialists who possess the expertise to transform vision into reality:

• Dave Elton (Managing Director, Del Shipping & Trading) brings 49 years of maritime agency experience, having handled the world’s largest superyachts in South African ports and serving as a vocal advocate for expanding regional superyacht presence.
• Andrew Bance (Founder/Managing Director, Pangaea), a former yacht captain turned expedition specialist, offers expertise in remote region navigation and transformative luxury experiences.
• Gilbert d’Offay (Manager, Asia Pacific Superyachts, Seychelles) provides regional superyacht operations expertise with deep understanding of Indian Ocean cruising requirements.
• Don McKee (Co-Founder, YOA Yacht Crew) contributes a decade of superyacht experience on vessels up to 90m, along with global crew recruitment insights and industry training expertise.

Beyond Infrastructure to Implementation

Rather than theoretical discussions, this panel will provide information on destinations, natural route flows, and infrastructure capabilities while addressing critical gaps in marinas, fuel, provisioning, refit services, and regulatory frameworks that currently limit regional development.

ABS Maritime: Building Tomorrow’s Yachting Infrastructure Today

Under the leadership of Managing Director Leroy Basson and Head of Agency Brent Kruger, ABS Maritime Agency Services is expanding their expertise to meet the specific requirements of superyachts and luxury expedition vessels. Their comprehensive 360-degree solutions include ship agency services, crew and personnel logistics, vessel repairs, dry docking, procurement, bunker calls, and full financial management.

Brad Inggs, Maritime Operator: “Sponsoring this inaugural conference and keynote signals a new chapter for the superyacht and luxury expedition vessel sector in South Africa. At ABS Maritime, we’re focused on building a reliable support network that delivers a 360 solution, care, and operational efficiency for visiting yachts.”

Economic Impact and Regional Transformation

The development of a Southern African superyacht route represents significant economic opportunity for the region. Superyachts typically spend large amounts during port call, creating substantial economic impact through provisioning, crew wages, maintenance services, and luxury tourism activities.

“The superyacht industry represents one of the highest-value segments in marine tourism,” notes Veda Pretorius, Conference Director. “Establishing a viable Southern African route could generate millions in annual economic activity while positioning our region alongside established destinations like Australia and the Pacific Islands.”

Industry Momentum Building

The session comes at a time of unprecedented interest in African destinations among superyacht owners and charter companies seeking new, authentic experiences. Recent successful calls by major superyachts to Cape Town, Durban, and regional destinations have demonstrated both the appetite and potential for route development.

The African Boating Conference, held under the theme “Boating as Catalyst for Economic Growth,” provides the ideal platform for this strategic discussion, bringing together the industry expertise, government support, and investment capital necessary to transform potential into reality.

For more information on the African Boating Conference 2025, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities: www.africanboatingconference.com