The two-day event at the V&A Waterfront brought together boat-builders, maritime media, and other roleplayers from the local, African and international industry.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday 21 October, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos highlighted the importance of the sector in the City of Cape Town’s economic strategy but noted that the impact of US tariffs required creative thinking from both government and the industry.

“The city’s boat building capability and capacity is an important story – it’s no small hobby. Nationally, the building of ships and boats sector employed 3 780 full time equivalent jobs by March 2024 with Cape Town hosting about 65% of those jobs over a nine-year period. In terms of exports, in 2024, R4.3-billion worth of Cape Town-made ships, boats and floating structures were ordered by foreign clients,” he said.

Diversification as a mitigation strategy

However, Alderman Vos said the local industry faced a major challenge with the recent enactment of a 30% US tariff on South African products. In four of the last five years, the US has been the dominant export market for Cape Town’s boats, accounting for 30% of the city’s total marine vessel exports in 2024.

“We must act immediately and decisively to mitigate the effects of this tariff. We must diversify our export markets and seek out the opportunities of trade agreements such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,” said Vos.

“We can also further increase jobs by growing local suppliers for components such as engines, electronics, and composites. And investors, boatbuilders, tertiary institutions, and government agencies need to sit at the table regularly and align on how to address industry development bottlenecks such as skills shortages or manufacturing processes.”

A global issue

Ed Slack, Editor in Chief of International Boat Industry, gave global context to the topic: “The industry is prone to boom and bust cycles. In 2024 the election of [US President Donald] Trump brought a mini boom, but trade tariffs changed everything. The US is half the world’s market for boats – the “epicentre” of the boat market – and the tariffs have been a nightmare for EU manufacturers importing to the US.”

Slack noted that, as a consequence, EU manufacturers were increasing their focus on new markets such as the Middle East, Asia and Mexico.

Focus on future-proofing

South African industry players such as Ullman Sails agreed that the introduction of tariffs had forced them to adjust strategy.

“We are undoubtably in a disruption phase. The impact of the tariffs has put the focus on future-proofing our businesses – creating diverse markets and looking at where we produce,” said Michael England, CEO of Ullman Sails International during a panel discussion entitled “Africa’s Economic Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges”.

It was a sentiment underscored by Stephan Claasen, FNB Business Head: Western Cape, who stressed that although there was a great deal of global uncertainty, a macro view of previous economic shocks showed recovery can happen faster than expected, and often provided opportunities for businesses to reorganise.

“Trump and tariffs are disrupting the traditional way of doing things. He’s going to create new opportunities, even if they’re not where you expect … keep your powder dry so that you’re ready to pivot,” he said.

A first for leisure marine industry

The African Boat Conference is the first recreational B2B event for the leisure marine industry.

“Cape Town is the hub for manufacturing and yachting activities in South Africa, and with the proactive government it seemed the natural choice to hold the inaugural event in the city,” said Veda Pretorius, African Boating Conference Director.

“Much of the discussion around the “Blue Economy” focuses on fishing, shipping and commercial activities. While there is significant overlap, especially in South Africa, the leisure marine industry has different requirements and challenges which require engagement and collaboration – especially if it is to fulfil the potential of being a key economic driver in the country and the continent.”

Wednesday 22 October, Cape Town: For those looking for a unique sailing experience, the answer might lie in a proposed superyacht route around Southern Africa.

Superyachts and the potential they hold for the Southern African region were explored during the inaugural African Boat Conference held in Cape Town this week. According to the founder and director of Ocean Media Australia Hillary Buckman, Australia and New Zealand play host to a massive superyacht industry, which holds lessons and opportunities for other regions. Buckman was hosting a panel on “Beyond the Cape: Mapping a Superyacht Route around Southern Africa”.

The concept is clearly something the African industry is excited about, both in terms of offering superyacht owners a new experience and the benefits it could bring the region.

“A lot of us have sailed in this part of the world and know there are rare experiences to discover,” said Dave Elton, Managing Director: Del Shipping & Trading.

“I have first-hand experience of how a single yacht can have a profoundly positive impact on a local economy. The crew generally really wants to help support the areas they visit. So I’m very excited to see this concept develop, and see the positive impact on local communities.”

One of the greatest selling points of the mooted route is the cultural and environmental variety the potential stopovers offer.

“Besides offering a sailing venue out of the Med season, Africa has something money cannot buy – culture and biodiversity. There’s so much potential in this region,” said Gilbert d’Offay, Manager: Asia Pacific Superyachts, Seychelles

Raising awareness about what makes the region unique was a recurring theme.

 “I’m a big fan of leaning in to what makes you different, as well as trying to understand what the client wants. If you look at the order books to understand the type of boats being built, it’s clear that people are looking to visit places that are relatively unexplored,” said Andrew Bance, Director of Pangaea.

“We shouldn’t compete with what is, but instead highlight what can be. South Africa is a long distance away, but we’re seeing an increased number of yachts visiting. It’s a case of raising awareness within the industry.”

When asked to plot their ideal Southern African superyacht route, the panel agreed that stopovers would include Cape Town, Mozambique, Madagascar, Reunion, Seychelles and the islands off the Tanzanian coast – but stressed the need for “stepping stones” to make the journey easy for captains.

And while there may be consensus on the concept of a Southern African superyacht route, there are practical considerations that need to be taken into account. From a South African perspective, Don McKee, co-founder of YOA Super Yacht Training, highlighted space constraints and safe anchorages as two of the main issues superyachts faced.

“Cape Town is amazing but there are challenges such as space constraints. Durban and other ports up the coast also have limited marina offerings and boats end up going to a commercial berth which isn’t great. We need to expand the land-based industry to tackle that – more marina facilities are needed to encourage superyacht captains and owners to come here,” he said.

But perhaps the biggest requirement to make the route a reality is collaboration between Southern African roleplayers.

“A lot of people have done a lot of work in their individual regions, but now we need to work on harmonising regulations between various countries to allow for a smoother passage,” said Gilbert d’Offay. “It’s not just about the boat trip and where they will go, but also about their time at the various countries because boats often end up staying longer than they intended if they enjoy the destination. But all players need to work together to create a seamless experience for the owners, captains and crews of the superyachts.”

www.africanboatingconference.com

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From left to right: Dave Elton, Andrew Bance, Gilbert d’Offay, Don McKee and Hillary Buckman take part in the panel discussion, “Beyond the Cape: Mapping a Superyacht Route around Southern Africa

The V&A Waterfront has long been at the forefront of South Africa’s marine landscape, serving as a gateway for superyachts, commercial shipping, fishing fleets, and leisure boating. Beyond its historic role as a working harbour, the V&A has transformed into a dynamic ecosystem that blends world-class tourism, retail, hospitality, and marine industry services—all contributing significantly to the city’s economy.

As part of the Conference programme, Andre Blaine, Executive Manager, Marine & Industrial of the V&A Waterfront, will deliver a keynote address titled “A Strategic Overview of the V&A Waterfront’s Development Plans and Infrastructure Investments.” His session will explore how current and future projects are designed to:

• Strengthen Cape Town’s position as Africa’s premier marine destination

• Enhance infrastructure to attract and service superyachts and the leisure boating community

• Support the sustainable growth of South Africa’s boating industry within the broader blue economy

Cape Town has all the ingredients to be a world-class marine hub. Through targeted infrastructure investments and long-term planning, the V&A Waterfront is committed to creating an environment that supports industry growth, attracts international traffic, and delivers lasting economic benefits.

Andre Blaine, Executive Manager, Marine & Industrial of the V&A Waterfront

The African Boating Conference, taking place on 21–22 October 2025 in Cape Town, will bring together leading voices in marina development, superyacht services, blue economy innovation, and policy-making. The V&A Waterfront’s participation reflects a shared vision for unlocking Africa’s marine potential and positioning the continent at the forefront of global boating opportunities.

Raising the Bar for South African Boatbuilding

At the heart of the company’s showcase is the Invicta 30CC, a 30-foot luxury sport fisher built in Somerset West by Maiden Voyage Industries. Designed to meet international ABYC and ABP standards, the Invicta combines twin 350HP Suzuki outboards, Garmin navigation, and premium marine finishes. Export plans to Australia and New Zealand position it as a true statement of South African excellence.

The Nemesis 2200, a robust 22-foot offshore catamaran by Bromley Marine Design, brings reliability and comfort for charter operators and serious anglers. Meanwhile, the versatile Ozean.19 balances family-friendly cruising with performance fishing capabilities, ensuring adaptability for both local and export markets.

Driving African Business Forward

For Engelbrecht, supporting the Africa Boating Conference is both a business milestone and a personal mission.

Our boats are designed for local waters, built to international standards, and ready for export. The Africa Boating Conference is a chance to showcase what South African innovation and craftsmanship can achieve.

Ewald Engelbrecht, Founder of The Leading Edge Marine Service

Global Partnerships, African Reach

Beyond its in-house innovations, The Leading Edge Marine Service represents two leading international brands: Enigma Powerboats (UK) Ballistic Boats

These partnerships expand horizons for South African boating enthusiasts while strengthening the industry’s global footprint.

Support from forward-thinking companies like The Leading Edge Marine Service demonstrates the strength and ambition of Africa’s marine sector. Their innovation and international reach underline why the Africa Boating Conference is such a vital platform for our industry.

Veda Pretorius, African Boating Conference Director

The African Boating Conference, taking place on 21–22 October 2025, is proud to announce Stephan Claassen, Provincial Head of FNB Commercial for the Western & Eastern Cape, as a keynote speaker. His address will underscore the importance of SA and Africa’s economic trajectory and its implications for the marine and boating industries.

Claassen brings decades of experience in commercial banking, investment and cross-border growth strategies. As part of FNB’s leadership team, he has been directly involved in supporting business expansion across Africa, India, China and the UK, with expertise spanning strategic growth, risk management and business development. His keynote will give delegates a good overview of the macro-economic dynamics facing SA and Africa, what challenges remain, and investment opportunities in SA and select African countries.

Africa is one of the world’s most dynamic growth regions,” says Claassen. “To realise its potential, we need to connect financial innovation with entrepreneurial ambition and sustainable development. This is especially true for industries like boating and maritime, which can create jobs, stimulate trade, and drive tourism across the continent.

Delegates attending Claassen’s keynote at the African Boating Conference will gain a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s economic outlook and its impact on maritime development. His address will cover developments in various parts of the infrastructure sector, practical financing options for vessel manufacturing and servicing this market, while also highlighting opportunities shaping the blue economy.

His keynote will equip decision-makers, industry leaders and policymakers with both the macro-economic context and the actionable insights needed to discuss sustainable growth across the continent’s boating and maritime industries.

The African Boating Conference is Africa’s premier platform for dialogue on marina development, superyacht potential, and blue economy opportunities. The event brings together global leaders, local innovators, and forward-thinking investors committed to unlocking Africa’s maritime future.

A Legacy Born on the Water

The Victron Energy story began in 1975 when founder Reinout Vader, then a young physics student, repaired an inverter powering a small aquarium in his vehicle, that kept marine life alive during a long journey. That roadside solution sparked a vision: to create reliable, resilient energy systems that boaters and communities could depend on anywhere in the world.

Fifty years later, Victron has grown into a global brand synonymous with innovation and independence, trusted in sectors ranging from superyachts and expedition vessels to fishing fleets, eco-lodges, and off-grid communities. Its signature Blue Power systems have become a symbol of engineering excellence and reliability across the marine industry.

Powering the Marine Industry for Five Decades

Victron’s contribution to the marine sector is profound:

• Engineering Excellence – Flexible, modular systems that adapt to the demands of leisure craft, commercial fleets, and expedition yachts.
• Unmatched Reliability – Technology trusted by operators in the harshest marine environments, from the icy waters of the Arctic to Africa’s remote coastlines.
• Sustainable Impact – Enabling the transition toward renewable energy through solar, storage, and advanced monitoring solutions.

In Africa, Victron systems already support the blue economy — powering marinas, yacht operators, fishing cooperatives, and coastal tourism ventures, ensuring that livelihoods and leisure activities alike are supported by clean, resilient energy.

Standing with Africa’s Boating Community

Andre du Rand, Sales Manager Southern Africa said: “By supporting the African Boating Conference, we continue empowering maritime professionals with solutions built on decades of reliability and future-ready innovation.”

By sponsoring the African Boating Conference, Victron Energy reaffirms its commitment to helping shape the continent’s marine and tourism future. The conference provides a vital platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to collaborate on sustainable growth strategies for Africa’s waterways and oceans.www.africanboatingconference.com

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About Victron Energy

Founded in 1975 in the Netherlands, Victron Energy has grown into a worldwide leader in power conversion and energy storage solutions. Its product range includes inverters, chargers, solar systems, batteries, and award-winning remote monitoring platforms. From yachts and RVs to industrial and off-grid applications, Victron empowers professionals, adventurers, and communities with energy independence.

For more information, visit: www.victronenergy.com

For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information about the African Boating Conference 2025, please contact:

Maryanne Edwards

Email. Maryanne@africanboatingconference.com

Mobile. (61) 0412916036

Veda Pretorius, representing Superyacht Cape Town, announced today that the inaugural African Boating Conference will take place on October 21-22, 2025, at The Avenue, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. This inspiring venue looks out over the V&A Waterfront Marina, and from here, you can look directly into the Aquarium’s 1.7 million litre ocean exhibit while participating in the conference. A unique experience.

This landmark event aims to bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and government officials from across Africa and around the globe to address key issues and explore opportunities within the African boating industry.

Delegates from key regions across Africa—including coastal nations, inland waterway areas, and emerging markets will gather to engage with global stakeholders eager to gain insights into the unique dynamics of the African boating market. The conference programme will facilitate meaningful discussions aimed at elevating the industry and promoting sustainable growth across the continent.

The conference, which has strong support by key government agencies, industry stakeholders, and prominent organisations dedicated to advancing the boating industry in Africa, highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the African continent.

The African boating sector holds significant potential, with South Africa emerging as a pivotal hub for marine operations and distribution throughout the continent. Key growth markets include Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Angola, which are all experiencing a notable surge in marine tourism and coastal marina developments.

As the primary import and distribution centre, South Africa acts as a strategic gateway for companies expanding their presence throughout Central and Southern Africa, enabling efficient product distribution and market penetration. 

Africa is firmly on the radar of the global marine industry, with South African boat manufacturers set to enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. market in 2025, following an eligibility review of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This act grants South Africa and other qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of goods. 

According to the latest State of the Industry report published by the City of Cape Town and its blue economy partners, the value of South African boat exports has more than doubled in the past four years, reaching R4.9 billion (£214 million). Employment in the sector has also seen significant growth, increasing from 3,700 directly employed in boatbuilding in 2021 to 4,800 in 2023. Notably, recreational boats account for 94% of all boat exports, with the sector reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 22.33% over the last five years.

Conference organisers state that the conference will be thought provoking and challenging of the status quo with some venturing off the beaten track.  Africa is rooted in culture, there is unity in diversity and alongside industry stakeholders the conference will develop a strategy for a sustainable marine industry future.

Veda Pretorius extended an invitation to all stakeholders in the boating industry—manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, policymakers, tourism operators, and infrastructure developers to join this pivotal event.  “I have long felt that a platform is needed to showcase the African boating industry and create an environment for stakeholders to meet and develop a roadmap for the future,” remarked Pretorius. “I have received incredible local support from industry, government, and key stakeholders.”

Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stated, “I am thrilled to see that the inaugural African Boating Conference will be hosted in Cape Town. This prestigious gathering not only highlights the growing strength of our local marine manufacturing industry but also promises to attract more buyers and investors to our shores. As a proud supporter of the City’s business partners, I am delighted to witness the sector’s year-on-year growth, which translates into more opportunities for our residents and investors. We welcome all delegates to visit us and enjoy the wonderful and unique experiences we have to offer.”

Andre Blaine, Executive Manager of Marine & Industrial at the V&A Waterfront, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The launch of the African Boating Conference is a major milestone for the maritime industry in South Africa. The industry is well-renowned for its boat-building capabilities and quality personnel, and it is fantastic to see this showcased on home soil in Cape Town. Veda Pretorius has worked tirelessly to bring this event together, and her drive and energy will be a testament to its success. We at the V&A Waterfront are excited to be associated with this initiative and wish Veda all the best.”

The African Boating Conference 2025 will feature a comprehensive program covering site visits, critical industry topics, including sustainable practices, regulatory challenges, innovation in boat manufacturing, tourism potential, and marine conservation. Focusing on fostering dialogue and collaboration, the conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, candid discussions, networking, and exploring strategies for the future of the African recreational and superyacht industry sectors.

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