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

“Pairing the African Boating Conference with the Cape Town Boat Show creates exceptional value for delegates — combining world-class thought leadership with a hands-on showcase of the industry’s products, services, and innovations,” said organisers.

The Cape Town Boat Show will be steered by SABBEX and BlueCape, who are taking a bold, industry-led approach to ensure the event’s sustainability and relevance. Operating on a breakeven, cost-only model, the show will be managed by the industry, for the industry, mirroring global best practices seen in the world’s top boating hubs.

“With strategic input from SABBEX and BlueCape, and a dedicated operational team drawing on deep industry expertise, this year’s show is designed to reflect the full strength and potential of South Africa’s marine sector,” organisers said.

“Bringing a high-calibre conference alongside a leading boat show creates an unparalleled opportunity for delegates. It maximises value by allowing access to both in one trip—minimising travel costs, multiplying networking potential, and delivering direct exposure to products, services, and decision-makers on the ground. It’s a highly efficient and impactful investment of time and resources.” said Maryanne Edwards, Conference Development Director.

Attendance at the boat show had declined in recent years, but the momentum building around the African Boating Conference and current activity in the South African boating industry is expected to help reverse that trend. With both events spotlighting the marine manufacturing sector, boat builders, and the superyacht services market, the week will serve as a cornerstone in Cape Town’s bid to become a regional hub for marine excellence.

Together, the African Boating Conference and Cape Town Boat Show will unite industry leaders, amplify opportunities, and deliver lasting value for all participants.

To spotlight these developments and champion the African marine industry, Michael England, CEO of Ullman Sails International, will join a high-profile panel at the conference. With extensive experience in international manufacturing and trade, Michael will offer insights into how local innovation and strategic global partnerships are reshaping Africa’s position in the world of sailing.

“As a long-standing manufacturer in South Africa, we’ve seen firsthand the potential of Africa as a centre of excellence in the global marine sector,” says Michael England. “Being part of the African Boating Conference allows us to share our story, learn from others, and advocate for the policies and infrastructure needed to support further growth.”

With operations spanning the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Australia, Ullman Sails is one of the world’s most respected performance sailmakers — supplying everyone from dinghy racers to superyacht owners. Central to its global strategy is its manufacturing facility in Cape Town, now in its 8th year under full Ullman ownership. This hub plays a critical role in ensuring quality, turnaround times, and supply consistency for clients around the world, while also serving as a model for how Africa can lead in advanced marine manufacturing.

As the company marks this 58-year milestone, it is also launching two new products in September — TriTex and Axia. England stated, “These products represent the culmination of decades of design expertise, advanced materials research, and a deep understanding of what sailors need to perform at their best.”

This moment also underscores Ullman Sails’ growing impact in Africa — through continued investment in local manufacturing, cutting-edge product development, and strategic involvement in key industry events such as the upcoming African Boating Conference.

The conference brings together leading voices from across Africa and the world to examine how the continent can unlock its full marine potential — from infrastructure development and blue economy growth to building a skilled workforce, attracting superyachts, and facilitating stronger international trade. With its deep African roots and global presence, Ullman Sails is uniquely positioned to contribute to these conversations.

Think about it: All the fun, none of the hassle!

The boat club model is totally new to Africa and is probably the most significant innovation in boating accessibility in the last five years. Operating on a subscription-based model rather than traditional charter or fractional ownership, boat clubs offer members access to entire fleets for a one-time joining fee plus a monthly subscription. This eliminates the traditional barriers of maintenance, insurance, berthing, and cleaning costs that often deter potential boaters. It also means one can have access to different types of boats, at different outlets, for different activities. 

The numbers tell a compelling story. Freedom Boat Club, acquired by Brunswick Corporation in 2019, has doubled in size and now operates over 430 locations with over 5,000 boats across nine countries. What started as a North American concept over 30 years ago has proven its viability in Europe over the past four years and is now expanding internationally.

These alternative models are reshaping the industry in several crucial ways:

• Democratising Access: Boating is no longer restricted to those who can afford substantial upfront investments and ongoing costs
• Diversifying Participation: Over 30% of boat club members are women, with more than 25% representing Next Generation and Millennial demographics
• Building Community: Regular events and shared experiences create lasting connections among members
• Supporting Marina Economics: Boat clubs reinvigorate marinas, potentially bringing more boat owners over time

Alternative ownership models are also gaining traction in Africa. In South Africa, Motor and Sail Investment Yachts are offering fractional ownership, giving newcomers another way to get into yachting. With lower upfront costs and shared resources, you can enjoy the lifestyle with minimal admin. 

Join the Conversation

As the African Boating Conference approaches in October 2025, these alternative ownership models represent a critical discussion point for our industry’s future. They offer a proven pathway to grow participation, attract younger demographics, and build sustainable business models that benefit manufacturers, marinas, and most importantly, create new boating enthusiasts.

The question isn’t whether alternative ownership models will shape our industry’s future—it’s how quickly we can adapt and implement these proven strategies to unlock Africa’s tremendous marine tourism potential.

What’s your experience with alternative boat ownership models? How do you see them impacting the African marine sector?

Be sure to register to hear from Arturo Gutierrez from Freedom Boat Club about how to be a part of the boating revolution.