The African Boating Conference was founded to grow recreational boating in Africa. While many events focus on the Blue Economy, no platform exists for recreational boating, boatbuilding, and marine tourism across the continent. On from 21-22 October at the V&A Waterfront, the conference aims to elevate the recreational boating industry in Africa.
The vision: a neutral platform for collaboration
The African Boating Conference is an independent, unbiased platform bringing together diverse stakeholders without agenda or favouritism. Inspired by Australia’s successful ASMEX Conference, the covnference will facilitate open dialogue between governments, industry players, manufacturers, and service providers.
Why this matters now
The African boating industry faces global challenges: regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, ageing demographics, and skills shortages. These create opportunities to learn best practices, explore regional opportunities, and invest in transformative technology. There’s growing interest in South Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, and other African coastal hubs, but international information about our region is scarce. This conference gives countries a chance to share insights about recreational boating, boat building, and marine tourism.
The superyacht opportunity
A significant opportunity has emerged: developing a dedicated superyacht route through the Indian Ocean islands, around Africa’s coast, and into the Atlantic. With pressure on traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean marinas, less explored regions present major opportunities through regional collaboration, exactly what this conference facilitates.
Boating as an economic catalyst
The theme reflects the core belief that boating can uplift communities and unlock economic opportunities. In Africa, with high unemployment and youth seeking opportunities, the industry sees boating’s transformative potential—creating jobs, skills development, tourism revenue, and sustainable growth.
Join the African Boating Conference in October in Cape Town. After this event, you’ll be inspired to INNOVATE, INSPIRE, and IMPACT Africa’s marine future.
Prime location in the heart of Cape Town
The African Boating Conference will be held at The Avenue Conference Facility in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town on October 21-22, 2025. This premier venue places us in the center of South Africa’s bustling maritime hub with easy access to marine facilities. The two-day program features comprehensive sessions from 9:00 to 17:00 daily, with afternoon site visits on day two offering hands-on industry exploration. Delegates will enjoy networking opportunities, including lunches and special evening events, in one of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities.
Meet the speakers:
Theo Look, CEO, Robertson and Caine
At the helm of South Africa’s biggest boatbuilding company, and the world’s second-largest catamaran producer, Theo Loock, CEO of Robertson and Caine, is bringing his insights to the African Boating Conference.
Under Loock’s leadership, Robertson and Caine have achieved what many thought impossible: competing head-to-head with European and American manufacturers while building a truly global brand from African shores. The company recently celebrated completing their 3,000th catamaran—a testament to three decades of innovation and growth.
The numbers tell the story
Robertson and Caine’s success speaks volumes:
2,400+ team members, many since inception
200 of the 300 catamarans produced in South Africa in 2024
Global reach spanning six continents
Consistent year-on-year growth in an increasingly competitive market
But it’s not just about scale—it’s about proving African manufacturing can lead the world in quality, innovation, and efficiency.
Redefining “Made in Africa”
Loock’s approach challenges every assumption about African manufacturing. Through innovative design, strategic automation, and unwavering commitment to quality, Robertson and Caine have become a premium global brand while pioneering sustainable manufacturing practices.
Don’t miss Theo’s keynote on “Africa’s Boating Industry: Innovation, Growth & Global Positioning”—essential insights for anyone serious about Africa’s marine manufacturing future and the supply opportunities that come with it.
Supply chain opportunities
South Africa’s boatbuilding growth represents massive opportunities for marine suppliers. Suppliers can capitalise on this expansion with production scaling year after year and new markets opening across Africa. From advanced composites to cutting-edge electronics and propulsion systems, demand for quality components is surging, and African manufacturers are investing in premium suppliers who deliver.
Arturo Guitierrez, General Manager EMEA
The traditional barriers to boating—high purchase costs, maintenance headaches, insurance complexities, and storage challenges—have kept countless potential enthusiasts landlocked. But what if there were a way to enjoy all the freedom of boating without any of the hassles?
Enter the boat club model, and Freedom Boat Club is leading this revolution. Arturo Guitierrez, General Manager EMEA, will share insights at the African Boating Conference this October.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Freedom Boat Club’s growth story is remarkable. Since Brunswick Corporation’s acquisition in 2019, the club has doubled in size and now operates over 430 locations with more than 5,000 boats across nine countries. The subscription-based model is simple yet transformative: members pay a one-time joining fee plus monthly subscription for access to entire fleets. No maintenance, no insurance headaches, no berthing costs, no cleaning—just pure boating enjoyment across different boat types and locations.
Reshaping the Industry
Freedom Boat Club is making boating more accessible and inclusive, while also broadening the range of participants. The figures speak for themselves: over 30% of members are women, more than 25% are from the next generation and millennial demographics.
This is exactly the audience the industry needs to attract. The boating clubs are also boosting Marina Economics by revitalising marinas, which could potentially lead to more boat owners in the long run.
Don’t miss Arturo’s presentation on how boat clubs transform the global boating landscape and what this could mean for Africa’s marine future.
Conference topics
A strong lineup of speakers and panellists will cover a wide range of topics. As more speakers are confirmed and the schedule fills, we will finalise the conference schedule and share it with the industry. Some of the topics to be covered over the two-day conference include:
Marina Development and Marine Tourism
Grow Boating
Developing Regional Boating & Superyacht Strategy
Superyacht Destination Marketing
Sustainable manufacturing
Alternative propulsion and fuels
Attracting talent & skills development
Travel with ease
Luxury Adventure Club is the official accommodation and travel partner for the African Boating Conference. They have secured excellent preferential rates at select properties across Cape Town’s premier districts, including the V&A Waterfront. They can take care of all travel needs, from arrival to departure from Cape Town. This includes airport transfers, hotel stay during the conference, day trips, and options to extend stays with a safari or a visit to the Winelands.
Sponsor spotlight
The African Boating Conference would not be possible without the strong industry backing and the support received from sponsors.
Motor & Sail Investment Yachts (MSIY) is a new sponsor. MSIY brings innovative yacht ownership solutions to the yachting community across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Territories.
Revolutionary shared ownership models
MSIY is transforming yacht ownership through their pioneering fractional ownership programs, designed specifically for newcomers to the yachting market. Their shared ownership model allows multiple investors to co-own premium motor vessels and sail yachts, dramatically reducing individual investment while maintaining access to the luxury lifestyle. Each fractional owner enjoys scheduled usage time, professional crew services, and comprehensive maintenance – all managed seamlessly by MSIY’s expert team. This approach makes yacht ownership accessible to those who want to “Invest in Lifestyle” without the full financial commitment of sole ownership, creating the perfect entry point into the world of luxury yachting.
Comprehensive yacht brokerage services
Beyond their innovative ownership models, MSIY operates as a full-service yacht brokerage with an extensive inventory of carefully curated motor vessels and sail yachts. Their experienced team, led by Directors Rob Sharp and Stuart Loxton, provides end-to-end services including yacht sales, worldwide delivery, investment financing, and comprehensive insurance solutions. Whether seeking a pre-owned vessel with character or commissioning a new yacht build, MSIY’s unparalleled professionalism ensures every transaction is handled with expertise and care. Their commitment extends beyond the sale, offering ongoing crew services and maintenance programs that keep vessels in pristine condition while owners focus on enjoying their maritime adventures.
Get involved
For sponsorship opportunities, email maryanne@africanboatinconference.com
For general enquiries, email connect@africanboatingconference.com
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