Cape Town is fast becoming a rising hub for the global superyacht industry — and with it comes a wave of opportunities for local jobs, skills, and tourism. The city’s natural beauty, world-class harbour, and ship repair infrastructure are drawing increasing numbers of visiting yachts, a trend that could reshape the Western Cape’s “blue economy”.
Growth Driven by Global Shifts
The surge in superyacht visits is partly linked to safety concerns in the Red Sea, which are prompting vessels to explore alternative routes. Advances in digital boatbuilding technology are also extending superyacht voyages further south. Together, these shifts are positioning Cape Town as a natural stopover on global sailing itineraries.
With the African Boating Conference set to take place at the V&A Waterfront this October — the first of its kind on the continent — the city is preparing to showcase its capacity as Africa’s boating capital. Discussions around a new African Superyacht Working Group will place Cape Town firmly on the international map.
Building a Niche Industry
Superyacht maintenance and repair is being flagged as a major growth sector. Cape Town already has strong foundations as a boatbuilding hub, and an influx of large vessels would mean steady work for shipyards, service providers, and skilled technicians.
Hospitality, too, stands to gain. Each visiting yacht leaves behind significant economic impact. While a typical cruising yacht spends around R300 000 per stay, a single superyacht refuelling in Cape Town in 2024 spent R10 million on diesel alone. Restaurants, hotels, and luxury services are poised to benefit.
Investment and Training Opportunities
The V&A Waterfront has plans for a dedicated superyacht quay and support facilities, with the City of Cape Town actively promoting the sector through BlueCape, its Ocean Economy initiative. This collaboration between public and private players could fast-track development, creating a platform for long-term growth.
South Africa is also emerging as a training hub for superyacht crew. With multiple local companies offering specialised courses, a pipeline of talent is being developed that can supply the global industry while boosting employment opportunities at home.
Sailing Into the Future
Industry leaders believe Cape Town is well placed to capture this market. “We’ve already been in discussions with key role players,” says Superyacht Cape Town director Veda Pretorius. “The aim is to gather people who are really committed and who will take action.”
For the Western Cape, the rise of the superyacht sector is about more than luxury vessels — it’s about unlocking a niche economy, creating jobs, and giving the region a chance to shine on the global maritime stage.
