The V&A Waterfront is playing an increasingly important role in positioning Cape Town as a leading gateway to Southern Africa’s emerging superyacht cruising region, with significant investment in infrastructure, hospitality and waterfront development reinforcing the city’s appeal to international yacht owners, captains and guests.
Speaking at the African Boating Conference in Cape Town, Graham Wood, CEO of the V&A Waterfront outlined the ambitious vision for the precinct, including the new EDITION hotel, the development of Quay 7 superyacht facilities and longer-term plans to transform the surrounding waterfront into a vibrant new coastal neighbourhood.
The investment reflects considerable foresight in recognising that attracting the international superyacht market requires more than berthing facilities. It demands an integrated destination combining world-class hospitality, marine services, accessibility and exceptional visitor experiences.
Few destinations can offer the combination available at the V&A Waterfront. Superyachts can berth directly alongside one of Africa’s most recognised tourism precincts, with guests able to step ashore into an extraordinary selection of restaurants, luxury hotels, boutiques, cultural attractions and entertainment. All of this is set against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain, visible from the decks of visiting yachts.
The new EDITION hotel, with its distinctive architecture and waterfront location, adds another dimension to this offering. Together with the Quay 7 development, it creates an opportunity to position Cape Town among the world’s most compelling urban superyacht destinations.
A growing market with significant economic potential
New BOATPro research presented at the conference reinforces the importance of this investment. Southern Africa recorded 36 visiting superyachts over 24 metres in 2025, compared with just 14 in 2019. Significantly, the average length of visiting yachts in 2025 was 60 metres, compared with a global average of approximately 34 metres.
The V&A Waterfront Marina already ranks among the region’s five leading marinas for visiting superyachts, demonstrating Cape Town’s established appeal and the opportunity to capture a greater share of this high-value market.
The economic benefits extend well beyond the marina. A superyacht valued at US$50 million could generate an estimated US$105,000 to US$330,000 in local expenditure during a two-week visit, supporting businesses ranging from marine engineering and provisioning to hospitality, transport and specialist services.
The scale of the V&A Waterfront itself is equally significant. The 123-hectare precinct records approximately 25 million visits annually, accommodates more than 1,000 tenants and supports a working community of approximately 26,000 people. Its ongoing development demonstrates how strategic waterfront investment can generate employment, support local enterprise and strengthen the broader visitor economy.
A gateway to a connected African cruising region
Importantly, the V&A Waterfront’s investment has implications extending far beyond Cape Town.
As the African Superyacht Working Group transitions into Superyacht Africa, a coordinated initiative to promote the region internationally, Cape Town is well positioned to serve as a principal gateway to cruising routes extending along Southern Africa’s coastline and into the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, Seychelles and other emerging destinations.
The objective is not to compete with established Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising grounds, but to develop a distinctive African proposition built around adventure, wildlife, spectacular coastlines, luxury hospitality and increasingly sophisticated marine infrastructure.
The V&A Waterfront’s commitment provides an important foundation for this regional ambition, demonstrating the confidence and long-term investment required to establish Southern Africa as a credible international superyacht destination.
Government support strengthens industry confidence
This investment is complemented by strong support from the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town.
At the African Boating Conference, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Alderman James Vos reinforced their commitment to growing the marine economy, attracting investment and addressing regulatory and business barriers that can limit industry development.
Their emphasis on practical collaboration with industry, improving the ease of doing business and supporting employment-generating investment provides an encouraging environment for the continued growth of Cape Town’s marine and superyacht sectors.
The V&A Waterfront’s vision illustrates what can be achieved when private-sector foresight, destination development and government commitment align.
As Southern Africa works to establish itself on the international superyacht cruising map, Cape Town is increasingly demonstrating that it has both the destination appeal and the ambition to lead the way.
