In the Media

The African Boating Conference and Cape Town Boat Show will take place in October 2025, showcasing Africa’s marine industry.

“From strategy to showcase: Africa’s marine industry unites in Cape Town” The African Boating Conference 21/22 Oct 2025 is gaining even more momentum with the revitalised Cape Town Boat Show set to follow immediately after the conference, 24/26 October, creating a powerful week-long showcase of Africa’s marine industry. The African Boating Conference, the continent’s inaugural

Superyacht Cape Town has officially announced the launch of the African Boating Conference, set to take place from 21–22 October 2025.

Africa rising – Explore Events stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

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

Landmark event will explore opportunities within the African boating industry

Superyacht Cape Town director Veda Pretorius has confirmed the inaugural African Boating Conference is set to take place on 21-22 October 2025 at The

Veda Pretorius, representing Superyacht Cape Town, has announced that the inaugural African Boating Conference will take place on October 21-22, 2025, at The Avenue, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

The African Boating Conference Cape Town, South Africa, 21/22 October 2025, the premier event for the African region’s recreational boating and superyacht industry, is set to deliver cutting-edge insights and industry-defining discussions.

The two-day event will be held in Cape Town in October

The inaugural African Boating Conference Cape Town, South Africa, will be held on 21 and 22 October 2025, at the iconic V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

African Boating Conference, set for October 21-22, gathers momentum as platform to growing

Leaders to headline – Explore International stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

Top-line speakers – Explore International stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

The African Boating Conference, taking place on 21–22 October 2025, has announced that Theo Loock, CEO of Robertson and Caine, South Africa’s largest and one of the world’s largest catamaran producers, will serve as a keynote speaker at the first-ever gathering of its kind on the continent. Bringing together industry leaders, marine entrepreneurs, and boating

African Boating Conference is proud to announce that Theo Loock, CEO of Robertson and Caine, South Africa’s largest and one of the world’s largest catamaran producers, will serve as a keynote speaker at first-ever gathering of its kind on the continent.

Theo Loock will provide key insights into Africa’s standing in the global boating sector

The African Boating Conference is proud to announce Anders Kurtén, Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Yachts, as a featured keynote speaker.

The African Boating Conference has announced Anders Kurtén, Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Yachts, as a featured keynote speaker at African Boating Conference. The conference will take place from 21–22 October 2025 in Cape Town, uniting industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to shape the future of boating and marine infrastructure across the continent. Anders

Theo Loock, CEO of catamaran producer Robertson and Caine, has been announced as keynote speaker at the African Boating Conference, taking place on 21–22

Spotlight on Africa – Explore Profile stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

Articles

The Australian marine industry is no stranger to impactful industry events — just look at the continued success of ASMEX and the Marinas conference. Most recently, I have seen an increasing interest locally for a new international event: the inaugural African Boating Conference, set to take place on the 21st and 22nd of October 2025

Don’t miss the inaugral African Boating Conference in Cape Town from 21-22 October 2025. Sign up as sponsor, a speaker or a delegate now.

African line-up – Explore Conference stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

The organisers of the African Boating Conference 2025, set to take place on October 21–22 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, have announced the introduction of a limited exhibition space offering, designed to elevate delegate engagement and support Africa’s growing marine economy. This strategic addition responds to strong industry interest and aims to create

Cape Town is playing host to an exciting new event later this year aimed at building on the potential of the boating sector across the African continent. Scheduled for October, the first ever African Boating Conference is a long overdue addition to the maritime calendar and focuses on a sector that is not often included in formal discussions. Maritime Review Africa spoke with organiser, Veda Pretorius, about what participants can expect and her ambitions to foster a boating ecosystem that…

The African Boating Conference 21/22 Oct 2025 is gaining even more momentum with the revitalised Cape Town Boat Show set to follow immediately after the conference, 24/26 October, creating a powerful week-long showcase of Africa’s marine industry.

Following the African Boating Conference, set for 21-22 October 2025, the Cape Town Boat Show will run from 24-26 October 2025 at the V&A Waterfront,

The African Boating Conference and Cape Town Boat Show will take place in October 2025, showcasing Africa’s marine industry.

Mel Symes speaks to Veda Pretorius about Cape Town’s role in transforming South Africa into a leading regional superyacht destination.

The African Boating Conference will take place from October 21st to 22nd 2025 creating a powerful week-long showcase of Africa’s marine industry

At the African Boating Conference this October, industry leaders will be calling for a pragmatic, inclusive approach to unlock the continent’s untapped potential as a world-class superyacht destination - where local insight, not just ambition, steers the course

As Ullman Sails celebrates 58 years of global innovation in sailmaking, the company is reinforcing its leadership position by supporting and participating in the African Boating Conference, taking place in Cape Town on 21-22 October 2025.

Strategy to showcase – Explore Boat shows stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

Michael England will discuss how local innovation and global partnerships are influencing Africa’s role in the sailing industry

Amy MacIver, in for CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Veda Pretorius, organiser of the African Boating Conference.

Key stakeholders have been identified and preliminary discussions held

Africa’s coastal nations are redefining marine tourism and innovation. This report - anchored by a bullet-point breakdown of key countries - previews the African Boating Conference 2025 and the continent’s rise as the next global marine frontier

Madagascar and the Indian Ocean are fast emerging as some of the most exciting new frontiers in luxury tourism and superyacht exploration.

Cape Town is fast becoming a rising hub for the global superyacht industry — and with it comes a wave of opportunities for local jobs.

Industry specialists Cyril Mahfahana and Christophe Caumes will showcase the region’s superyacht potential at this year’s event in Cape Town

Madagascar insight – Explore Conference stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

SOUTH AFRICA: Despite claiming a leading position as a supplier of boats and yachts to the international market, South Africa has not been able to drive a vibrant domestic boating culture to support further growth in local boat building. Editor of Maritime Review Africa, Colleen Jacka, will moderate a panel discussion aimed at exploring the real-world barriers preventing broader African participation in boating at next month’s African Boating Conference in Cape Town. “While…

Victron Energy, a global leader in off-grid and marine energy solutions, has announced its sponsorship of the African Boating Conference, to be held 21–22 October 2025 in Cape Town. The announcement comes as the Dutch-founded company celebrates its 50th anniversary — a milestone for a brand that has become synonymous with energy independence on the

The African Boating Conference is proud to announce the support of the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s most iconic mixed-use destinations and a vital hub in the regional marine economy.

This month’s event brings global insights to Africa, turning international best practices into a roadmap for sustainable growth

Conference collaboration – Explore Conference stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

Nuove Opportunità per lo yachting, con il gruppo italiano che porta l’esperienza dei superyacht mediterranei lungo le coste africane: previsti servizi di alto livello e partnership locali strategiche

The African Boating Conference brings together industry leaders to unlock Africa’s marine potential and shape a sustainable future for the boating sector.

Africa rising – Explore Conference stories with Ocean Magazine, Australia’s definitive guide to luxury yachting and lifestyle.

The new venture will join the African Boating Conference as a Gold Sponsor

When Covid-19 brought the world to a halt in 2020, it also froze one of the most adventurous corners of international travel — ocean cruising.

Discover how South Africa’s yacht tourism rebounded after Covid-19, as local efforts to reopen ports sparked new life in the cruising and maritime sector.

Discover how South Africa’s yacht tourism rebounded after Covid-19, as local efforts to reopen ports sparked new life in the cruising and maritime sector.

SOUTH AFRICA: The inaugural African Boating Conference held this week in Cape Town drew the enthusiastic participation of more than 200 delegates representing a sizeable portion of the region’s boating community eager to share ideas and foster economic growth within the boating sector on the continent. Convened by conference founder and director, Veda Pretorius of Superyacht Cape Town, the event aimed to help galvanise collaboration within the local and regional boating sector as…

African Boating Conference director Veda Pretorius speaks to us on the eve of inaugural event which will showcase the South African building sector. Boatbuilding – now worth around R3-billion a year – and superyacht visits are a big part of the sector’s success.CAPE CHAMBER: The ABC has finally arrived! Are you relieved? VEDA: I probably am a little relieved. I have spent over a year planning the event. It feels quite special when the moment arrives. It is definitely a kind of nervous euphoria.

SOUTH AFRICA: “We know we are living in challenging times. At the moment markets are tough, and I think we need to embrace opportunity where we can,” Ed Slack, Editor in Chief of IBI Magazine told delegates, mincing no words in a hard-hitting keynote address at the opening of the inaugural African Boating Conference. Describing the challenges faced by European boatbuilders, Slack echoed the scenario facing local manufacturers reliant on the US market. Despite a small…

The inaugural event is underway in Cape Town, with the aim of growing recreational boating on the African continent.

Two years ago Kirsten Neuschafer shocked the world by winning a non-stop, solo round-the-world race in 233 days. Not only was she the first women to win the race, she was the first to complete it – and even rescued a fellow competitor along the way. As per race rules she travelled 30 000 nautical miles without the use of modern equipment, navigating by the stars and sextant that wouldn’t look out of place at a vintage garage sale.

The inaugural African Boating Conference opened to a full audience at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town yesterday (21 October 2025), bringing together

Southern Africa may soon become the next frontier for superyacht tourism, following discussions at the inaugural African Boat Conference.

Southern Africa may soon become the next frontier for superyacht tourism, following discussions at the inaugural African Boat Conference.

The inaugural African Boating Conference at the V&A Waterfront highlights the growth and challenges of Cape Town’ s marine manufacturing sector, including the impact of US tariffs and the need for market diversification.

The inaugural African Boating Conference opened to a sold-out audience at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, setting a new benchmark for collaboration, professionalism, and vision across the continent’s blue economy. With the presence of delegates representing marine stakeholders across Africa and presentations from global leaders in marine manufacturing, insurance, and waterfront development, the event

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

Stephen Grootes speaks to Anders Kurten, CEO of Fraser Yachts Monaco, about the inaugural African Boating Conference in Cape Town. Over 200 global delegates have gathered to explore Africa’s emerging blue economy and the continent’s potential in the recreational boating industry.

Cape Town’s boat-building industry faces challenges like US tariffs but opportunities exist in exports, skills growth, and marine innovation.

The South African boat-building industry has to grow the skills available to local manufacturers, while it must also work to attract global component manufacturers to local shores, says Ullman Sails International CEO Michael England. England spoke at the African Boating Conference held in Cape Town this week.

Cape Town’s boatbuilding sector has emerged as a global leader, driven by skilled artisans and a passion for sailing:

Cape Town’s boatbuilding sector has emerged as a global leader, driven by skilled artisans and a passion for sailing:

South Africa’s standing as a flourishing global leader in boat building is drawing international attention, thanks particularly to the extraordinary solo-sailing achievement of Kirsten Neuschafer, according to John Lawson, CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

South Africa’s standing as a flourishing global leader in boat building is drawing international attention, thanks particularly to the extraordinary solo-sailing achievement of Kirsten Neuschafer, according to John Lawson, CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The second day of the African Boating Conference 2025 delivered a dynamic blend of inspiration, insight, and industry action, reinforcing Africa’s position as a rising force in global marine manufacturing and tourism. Theo Loock, Managing Director of Robertson and Caine, opened the day with a powerful keynote, “Boatbuilding in the African Context,” celebrating local craftsmanship

Cape Town is on track to become a regional superyacht repair and maintenance hub with news of planned dedicated superyacht berths at the V&A Waterfront. V&A marine and industrial executive manager Andre Blaine this week confirmed the superyacht basin plan, which is expected to further bolster the number of superyacht visits following a marked increase since Covid-19.

The African Boating Conference 2025 closed on 22 October 2025, with the final day showcasing Africa’s growing influence in global marine manufacturing and tourism, emphasising innovation, collaboration and sustainability.

SOUTH AFRICA: Boat clubs offer an elegant solution that provides non-boatowners with access to a boating lifestyle through a membership that allows them to book out a boat in multiple destinations around the world – and now a global player is looking to bring the concept to South Africa. Speaking at last week’s African Boating Conference, Arturo Guiterrez, General Manager: Freedom Boat Club introduced the concept to delegates as a creative way to expand the interest in…

Managing Director of Robertson and Caine, builder of Leopard catamarans, Loock focused on the shipyard’s philosophy of craft, care and collaboration in his keynote speech at the first African Boating Conference.

For those seeking a unique sailing experience, the answer might lie in a proposed superyacht route around Southern Africa.

Southern Africa may soon become the next frontier for superyacht tourism, following discussions at the inaugural African Boat Conference.

Industry leaders gathered in Cape Town to discuss how local boat builders can navigate US tariffs, diversify markets, and secure growth opportunities…

Cape Town’s boatbuilding sector has emerged as a global leader, driven by skilled artisans and a passion for sailing:

Stakeholders in Africa’s superyacht industry have formed the African Superyacht Working Group, with the aim of rolling out an African superyacht growth strategy. A superyacht is a large, luxury private or chartered yacht, typically exceeding 24 metres (79 feet) in length, and carrying high-end amenities and a professional crew.

Anaïs David, in charge of the International Multihull Show, represented the show at the first edition of the African Boating Conference, recently held in South Africa. She talks to us about the challenges and prospects of this unprecedented meeting in a country that ranks among the world leaders in the sector.