As spring arrives in South Africa, boatica Cape Town 2024 is set to highlight the thriving South African boatbuilding industry and the booming ocean sports economy. Taking place at the V&A Waterfront from 25 to 27 October 2024, this premier event underscores South Africa’s flourishing blue economy and provides the perfect platform to showcase the innovation and craftsmanship of the boatbuilding sector.
An industry showcase
The South African boatbuilding industry is a tiger economy, growing at an incredibly significant percentage each year. The sector is a major contributor to the national GDP, and Cape Town has become a global leader in catamaran manufacturing. South Africa is recognised as the largest power catamaran producer in the world and the second largest sailing catamaran producer globally, with Cape Town being the largest catamaran-building city in the world. boatica Cape Town 2024 is ideally timed to celebrate this growth, creating an immersive experience for local and international visitors alike.
City endorsement
“The City proudly supports this event which showcases the best in local marine manufacturing, most of whom are based right here in Cape Town. boatica is a highlight for the industry because it is a display of the breadth and variety of innovation, talent, and skill of our boat-builders. Our rich ocean economy is not just about leisure; it’s about creating jobs and driving sustainable practices. By attending boatica, visitors will get an inside view of the opportunities that our marine sector offers, reinforcing our commitment to economic growth through high-growth industries,” said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth for the City of Cape Town.
Event highlights
Some of the exciting highlights of boatica Cape Town 2024 include:
Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy: Experience the impact of the academy, which provides sailing opportunities for youth from under-resourced communities, with ongoing sailing activities throughout the weekend.
The Little Optimist Trust and the Great Optimist Race: Supporting children’s development projects, this race brings a spirit of charity and excitement to the event, with time trials and opportunities for visitors to participate.
UX Marine: Unveiling three new models-UX21, UX156, and UX Explorer-each combining luxury, adventure, and innovative features for boating enthusiasts.
Clarke Marine: Debuting their first GRP vessel, the OZEAN.19, a 19-foot boat designed for coastal cruising, offering elegance and performance.
40 Knots: Showcasing the 370 Inter-Island Sea Shuttle, a semi-custom, luxurious water transfer vessel with advanced fuel-efficient features, ideal for the hospitality market.
NSRI Offshore Rescue Craft: The new fleet of 14m SAR ORC (Search and Rescue Offshore Rescue Craft) vessels, built by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing, will be on display, highlighting their role in saving lives along the South African coast.
Metric Offshore Sailing Team: Meet Dealtry Pickford and explore the Metric 4T Class 40 racing yacht, which will compete in the 2027 Global Solo Challenge, raising awareness for marine conservation and adventure sailing.
Leopard Catamarans: Introducing the new 46-foot Leopard sailing catamaran, showcasing their renowned craftsmanship and performance for ocean cruising enthusiasts.
Boating World: As usual, Boating World will be there with the luxurious Azimut, providing an exclusive look at these elegant and high-performance yachts.
The Canyon Cup Prize Giving: Celebrate the winners of the thrilling Canyon Cup, incorporating the ORC Doublehanded National Championship, with the prizegiving taking place on Friday, 25 October.
Programme highlights
In addition to the range of exhibitors, boatica Cape Town 2024 will also feature some engaging activities:
Dragon Boat racing: Watch exciting races throughout the weekend.
NSRI demonstrations: Learn about the life-saving work of the NSRI through live rescue demonstrations.
Viking life jacket demonstration: Gain insights into essential safety equipment for water enthusiasts.
The Great Optimist Race Finals: Enjoy the thrilling finale of the Great Optimist Race on Sunday.
e-Surfboard demonstrations: See the latest in water sports technology in action.
boatica Cape Town 2024 is not just an event-it’s a celebration of South Africa’s blue economy, innovation, and craftsmanship. With activities for all ages and the latest maritime technology on display, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
boatica Cape Town 2024: An unforgettable celebration of the blue economy and maritime lifestyle https://t.co/3PwHLhvWTq#ArriveAlive #boaticaCapeTown @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/AVk7tRJodJ
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 24, 2024
