Boat building industry shows significant growth

South Africa’s boat building industry, which is the second largest builder of leisure sailing catamarans in the world behind France and holds the title of the world’ s leading manufacturer of large power catamarans, is riding a wave of growth.

According to mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos, the marine manufacturing industry is now valued at 4,9 billion, and shows an annual growth rate of 22 percent.

This announcement was made at the opening 2024 edition of Frankfurt Messi Boatica, a boat show held over the weekend at the Waterfront, dedicated to showcasing advancements in the maritime and marine industries.

A statement by South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX) said that employment in the boatbuilding sector is also on the rise, with 4,800 people directly employed within boatbuilding facilities.

Including indirect jobs across the broader supply chain, the sector supports far more, contributing significantly to household incomes and local communities.

Bruce Tedder, chairman of SABBEX, said the boatbuilding industry has seen tremendous growth. “The 2023 export figures and sustained annual growth rate demonstrate South Africa's position as a global leader in boatbuilding. The sector’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability continues to drive international demand for our vessels.”

At the opening event, Mr Mr Vos said Cape Town has become the world’s leading catamaran boat-building city, exporting one catamaran for every workday of the year. “This achievement showcases our city’s exceptional craftsmanship and innovation.”

This year’s Boatica featured over 70 exhibitors and more than 50 boats on display.

Attendees also enjoyed live demonstrations, boat racing, product launches, and informative talks on the maritime industry. They also participated in stand-up paddleboarding and sailing lessons from the South African Sailing Academy at the event.

Among the exhibitors were Southern Wind Shipyard, based in Athlone which specializes in the construction of high performance luxury sailing yachts from 25m to 40m.

Southern Wind Shipyard CEO Marco Alberti said the company has been operating since 1991, and he came onboard in 1996, so he has “been on the adventure with Southern Wind from the very beginning.” He said over the years, the bar has constantly been raised.

He said in the 90s, Cape Town was already rated as one of the good places to build boats, together with cheaper labour because boat building is very labour intensive, and everything else grew around this.

“There is definitely weight to the South African boat building industry.”

Another exhibitor, The Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, teaches children and youth from disadvantaged areas around the Cape Flats life skills through sailing over weekends.

The academy hosts between 30 and 40 students from communities all over the city, and equips them with practical sailing skills, theoretical knowledge, boat maintenance, safety protocols, and navigation techniques.

Senior Instructor Sibusiso Sizatu said the academy acts as a space for students to take a break from land and go out to enjoy the sea life.

"It’s about exposure and then hopefully funnelling them into the maritime industry,“ said operations manager at the Sailing academy, Jennifer Burger, adding that students who came through the programme now work as boat captains, boat cleaners and in the industry as part of manufacturing.

“It shows them there’s more to life, and more opportunities out there.”

Dealtry Pickford, an adventure sailor had his ocean racing yacht “Metric 4T” on display at the Boatica.

He is raising funds to do the Global Solo Challenge 2027. The race leaves from Vigo in Spain in October 2027 and is a solo, non-stop, unassisted sailing race which passes the three great Capes to complete a full circumnavigation of the globe.

He launched the Get On Board” buy a “Pixel” campaign, where people will be able to basically buy space on the boat to stick a printed image on the vessel - each 5 x 5 cm pixel costs R500. They’ll then be able to follow the race and watch their picture or logo sail around the world.

The funds from the campaign will go towards entry fee for the challenge.

For more information, visit getonboard.co.za