Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront will host the much-anticipated boatica Cape Town 2024 from 25 to 27 October 2024, an event that promises to immerse visitors in South Africa's vibrant blue economy and maritime lifestyle. This annual event, supported by the City of Cape Town, highlights the thriving boatbuilding industry, which has placed Cape Town as a leader in global catamaran manufacturing.
As Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stated, “The City proudly supports this event which showcases the best in local marine manufacturing. boatica is a highlight for the industry because it displays the breadth and variety of innovation, talent, and skill of our boat-builders. Our rich ocean economy is about creating jobs and driving sustainable practices.”
Event Highlights and Exhibits
boatica Cape Town 2024 will showcase South African craftsmanship and innovation across a variety of vessels and marine products. Highlights include:
Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy: An inspiring initiative offering sailing opportunities to youth from under-resourced communities, with activities ongoing throughout the weekend.
The Little Optimist Trust and the Great Optimist Race: A fun-filled charity event supporting children’s development, featuring time trials and interactive participation for visitors.
UX Marine: Launching three new models—the UX21, UX156, and UX Explorer—designed for luxurious, adventurous boating.
Clarke Marine: Presenting the OZEAN.19, a coastal cruising vessel that marries elegance with high performance.
40 Knots: Debuting the 370 Inter-Island Sea Shuttle, an energy-efficient vessel tailored for the hospitality sector.
NSRI Offshore Rescue Craft: Displaying the 14m SAR ORC fleet by Two Oceans Marine, vital for South Africa’s coastal safety operations.
Leopard Catamarans: Featuring the new 46-foot Leopard sailing catamaran, renowned for its superior craftsmanship and ideal for ocean cruising.
The Canyon Cup Prize Giving: Celebrating the winners of this thrilling race, including the ORC Doublehanded National Championship, on Friday, 25 October.
Interactive Program and Activities
Visitors can look forward to engaging activities, such as Dragon Boat racing throughout the weekend, NSRI rescue demonstrations, and an e-Surfboard showcase featuring the latest in water sports tech. Additionally, the Viking life jacket demonstration will provide valuable insights into water safety essentials, while the Great Optimist Race finale on Sunday will conclude the event on a high note.
boatica Cape Town 2024 is a unique celebration of South Africa's blue economy, innovation, and ocean lifestyle. Tickets and more information are available at www.boatshow.co.za