The 2024 edition of boatica Cape Town took place this past weekend, leaving a lasting impression on thousands of visitors and showcasing the incredible growth and innovation of South Africa’s marine industry. With over 4,000 visitors, including attendees from South Africa, the USA, France, Angola, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, boatica Cape Town 2024 was truly an international celebration of the blue economy.
This year’s show featured 61 exhibitors and 44 vessels, drawing interest from marine and watersports enthusiasts of all kinds. Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, inaugurated the event, emphasising the marine manufacturing industry’s impressive growth, which has reached an annual rate of 22%, driving the local economy to new heights.
“We’re riding the wave of growth!” Vos exclaimed as he unveiled impressive statistics, announcing that the industry is now valued at R4.9 billion, up from R3.2 billion. “This dynamic rise creates real opportunities for our community in terms of jobs and services,” he stated.
Show highlights
Boating World’s Azimut: Boating World showcased the luxurious Azimut, providing visitors with a glimpse of elegance and high-performance yachting.
New vessel launches: The 2024 show introduced an array of exciting new vessels, including the OZEAN.19 by Clarke Marine, a versatile model designed for both adventure and recreation, the new Leopard 46 Catamaran, the Shuttle 370 by 40 Knots, and the Halo 28 by Hammer Yachts, each a testament to the exceptional quality of South African craftsmanship.
Award-winning Vision 444: Vision Yachts also displayed the award-winning Vision 444, which recently received ‘Boat of the Year’ recognition, further emphasizing their commitment to quality.
Southern Wind: Southern Wind Shipyard showcased their impressive craftsmanship, reinforcing their reputation as a leader in performance luxury sailing yachts.
Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy: The RCYC Sailing Academy demonstrated their dedication to empowering youth with sailing skills, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and growth in marine sports.
Opportunities for SUP and kayaking: Visitors had the chance to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking, adding to the interactive experience of the show.
Demonstrations and talks: The event also featured a wide range of demonstrations and talks, including innovative marine technology and water sports, providing valuable insights for all attendees.
Canyon Cup prizegiving: The Canyon Cup prizegiving was a notable event, celebrating the achievements of participants in this thrilling offshore race.
Cape Town: the world’s leading catamaran building city
A highlight of Vos’s speech was the announcement that Cape Town has become the world’s leading catamaran boat-building city, exporting one catamaran for every workday of the year. “This achievement showcases our city’s exceptional craftsmanship and innovation,” he declared, encouraging attendees to celebrate their collective success.
Vos also unveiled the ‘Job Wall,’ an exciting new platform designed to connect job seekers with opportunities in the marine sector. “This will open up diverse career paths and ensure our community continues to benefit from this growth,” Vos noted.
Celebrating growth and innovation
“Our rich ocean economy is not just about leisure; it’s about creating jobs and driving sustainable practices,” Vos highlighted, showcasing the event’s significance beyond entertainment. Concluding his remarks, Vos expressed his gratitude to the builders, innovators, and visionaries present: “Thank you for your hard work and dedication. This is your moment, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!” His spirited address left attendees inspired and eager to harness the economic potential of Cape Town’s thriving marine industry.
Looking ahead
With boatica Cape Town 2024 setting new benchmarks for excellence and engagement, the future of Cape Town’s marine industry looks brighter than ever. The event not only celebrated the current success of the industry but also inspired innovative ideas and connections that will shape the future of the blue economy.
Boatica Cape Town showcases a thriving marine industry https://t.co/r8NQLVeJ26#ArriveAlive #MarineIndustry @BoaticaCapeTown @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/b9dMiwn4qC
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 30, 2024