An industry showcase of South Africa’s booming boatbuilding sector and ocean sports economy
Cape Town, October 2024 – Spring arrived in South Africa and the summer boating and water sports season officially opened. boatica Cape Town 2024 is ideally timed to highlight the thriving South African boatbuilding industry and the rapidly growing ocean sports economy. As the premier event in this sector, the exhibition underscores South Africa’s flourishing blue economy.
Boatica Cape Town will take place in the V&A Waterfront from 25-27 October 2024.
Growth in the boatbuilding sector and ocean sports economy
The South African boatbuilding industry has seen impressive growth, expanding by over 17% per annum since COVID-19. This resilient sector is now a key contributor to the national economy, generating an estimated R3.2 billion annually. In parallel, the ocean sports economy further enhances the country’s financial outlook, contributing an additional R2 billion per year.
boatica Cape Town – a celebration of the blue economy
boatica Cape Town 2024 provides the perfect platform to showcase this flourishing industry, which attracts significant local and international tourism while engaging a wide South African audience. This year’s event will feature a refreshed layout, offering an even more immersive experience for visitors.
Exciting on-the-water activities and exhibitions
Visitors can enjoy a variety of on-the-water activities, including dragon boat racing, water sports demonstrations, the famous Great Optimist Race, and sailing experiences through South African Sailing (SAS). There are many informative talks and watersports demonstrations.
A wide range of exhibitors will participate, from well-known favourites to first-time participants. Highlights include large vessels from Boating World and Ocean Princess, as well as smaller powerboats from brands such as Yamaha, Rutherford Marine/Mercury, and UX Marine.
New exhibitors
This year marks the debut of Southern Wind Shipyard, one of South Africa’s premier boatbuilders, renowned for their luxury monohulls designed for the European market..
Commitment to excellence and innovation
boatica Cape Town 2024 is committed to exceeding expectations once again. In partnership with the City of Cape Town through a three-year collaboration, the event goes beyond a typical boat show—it’s a celebration of South Africa’s blue economy and a premier platform for the blue economy to shine.
Opening day and Trade Day
The event opens with Trade Day on Friday, providing an exclusive opportunity for sector stakeholders and media to explore the blue economy and network with key players in the boatbuilding industry.
A celebration of South Africa’s blue economy
boatica Cape Town 2024 remains the leading event for showcasing the nation’s incredible blue economy and thriving boatbuilding sector.
This year’s exciting exhibitors include: Airwave Engineering, Aquadex Africa (Pty) Ltd, Astra Industrial Innovations and Amdoor, Atomic, Boating World, Esthec / Cloudwize / Evadex, International Marine Certification Institute, Inteto Connect, Jo Fensham Yacht Upholstery, Maykamark, McCarthy’s Auto Trimmers, MDM, Motor & Sail Investment Yachts (Pty) Ltd, National Energy Solutions, Permadeck, Plett Yamaha, Project Maritime Training & Survival Offshore Training Pty LTD, Rutherford Marine (Mercury), SAMSA, SeaScape Marine, Southern Wind, Stingblade, Teng Tools ZA, Ullman Sails Cape Town, UX Marine, Vetus Maxwell South Africa (Pty) Ltd – via TMN Events, Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Waterfront Charters, Yamaha, and Yamaha AMP.