James Turner is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Yachts, a leading South African builder of blue-water cruising catamarans based in Knysna. Born and raised in Knysna, James developed a passion for sailing and boat design from an early age. After studying engineering at the University of Cape Town, he spent years sailing internationally, accumulating close to 100,000 nautical miles of offshore experience. This extensive time at sea gave him a deep understanding of the practical demands placed on both vessels and crews, shaping his philosophy of designing yachts that are safe, reliable, efficient, and easy to sail. In 2007, James returned to South Africa and established Vision Yachts with the goal of building catamarans designed by sailors, for sailors. Under his leadership, the company has earned an international reputation for producing robust, performance-oriented cruising catamarans that combine offshore capability with comfort and intelligent design. Vision Yachts achieved global recognition when its flagship model, the Vision 444, won the prestigious Cruising World Boat of the Year Award in the Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet category. The award highlighted the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and real-world sailing performance. Today, James continues to guide Vision Yachts’ growth from its Knysna shipyard, championing a philosophy of craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and long-term owner support. Widely respected as both a sailor and boatbuilder, he remains deeply involved in the design and development of the company’s yachts, ensuring that every vessel reflects the practical knowledge gained from a lifetime spent on the water.