Get ready for boatica Cape Town – on at the V& A Waterfront from 27-29 October. Once again boatica will host the country’s leading marine manufacturers and an impressive lineup of exhibitors to elevate the maritime experience for all.
A city on display
In line with the Blue Economy’s principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship Boatica 2023 drives economic growth, and is partnering with the City of Cape Town. Alderman James Vos emphasized the important relationship between the City and the show.
“The City proudly funds and hosts boatica, Cape Town’s premier boat show. Last year, the show featured 120 exhibiting companies, live on-water activities, a VIP Boat Cruise, and a luxury lifestyle exhibition,” he said.
He continued, “With a marine manufacturing industry that acts as a major contributor to the local and global economy, events like boatica are critical to boosting Cape Town’s profile in this sector. More than 90% of global trade takes place on sea routes, while the coastline around the metro contributes almost R40 billion, or 10%, to the city’s GDP per annum.”
boatica is dedicated to showcasing multiple aspects of Cape Town’s maritime and blue economy.
The benefit of the blue economy
A multitude of sectors, ranging from boat building to fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, marine conservation and aquaculture make-up this lifeline for Cape Town’s economy.
“Ocean sports was a R1.38-billion per annum contributor to the Cape’s economy in 2018-2019! Research by the City’s industry partner, BlueCape, found that this sector is growing at a rate of 20% – now estimated to be valued at around +R2-billion,” says Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.
“Meanwhile, further research commissioned by BlueCape indicated that South Africa’s boat building market was valued at R 2.2-billion industry in 2018 -2019, growing at around 17% per annum. And now in 2023 this sector is valued at +R3-billion! With the bulk of marine products made in the Western Cape, it’s clear that this is a major industry for us,” Vos adds.
Keeping it local
Vos says, “There is huge appetite for Cape-made boats with local manufacturers processing orders for every work day of 2023 and contracting with major international organisations such as the New Zealand Navy, the United Nations and SpaceX. Through BlueCape, we are investing in the promotion of Cape Town’s marine manufacturing industry, the development of SMMEs in the sector, and up-skilling Capetonians to meet the growing workforce demand”.
Worthy support
The ever-popular Great Optimist Race, in collaboration with the Little Optimist Trust, will be a major highlight at boatica again this year.
Whats in store?
This year boatica offers many opportunities for exhilarating adventures and boat rides.
Look out for:
Breathtaking sunset cruises – enjoy a unique view of the coast of Cape Town while sipping local sparkling wine and admiring the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Adventure boat cruises – Waterfront Charters offers eco-adventures aboard RIBs (Rigid-Inflatable Boats) – get up close and personal to the wildlife of the Atlantic.
Dragon boat racing – dragon boat racing is an energetic, colourful, and exciting team sport with ancient Chinese cultural traditions. This year visitors will get a chance to be part of a crew.
Catamaran cruises – Waterfront Charters’ luxury catamaran Enigma offers a family-friendly adventure with perfect views of Cape Town from Table Bay.
E-Foiling – experience this new sensation. eFoiling instruction is available to visitors in the marina during the event. Did you know that Efoils can reach a speed of 55kmph!
Don’t miss out –buy your boatica tickets here
Event Schedule
Friday 27 October
10:00am – Show Opens
11:00pm – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruise and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
12:00pm – The Little Optimist Sailing Academy Opens
13:15pm – VIP Yacht returns
14:00pm – Adventure Boat and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
15:00pm – VIP Boat Boarding for the City of Cape Town
15:00pm – Media Day Welcome
15:15pm – Media Event Walk
16:15pm – VIP Boat returns
16:30pm – Opening Function and Ribbon Cutting with the City of Cape Town
16:30pm – VIP Boat Boarding
17:00pm – City of Cape Town and Media Event Walk
18:00pm – Show Closes
18:00pm – Exhibitor Function
18:00pm – Sunset Cruise Boarding
18:45pm – VIP Yacht returns
Saturday 28 October
All day – Sailing Academy, SUP, Kayaking, E-Foiling experiences, and Test Sails
09:00am – Show Opens
09:00am – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
09:30am – Dragon Boat Racing
10:45am – VIP Boat Returns
11:00am – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
11:30am – NSRI Demonstration
11:45pm – The Great Optimist Racing Briefing
12:15pm – The Great Optimist Race – weather permitting. City of Cape Town to start the race
12:30pm – Live Music: Stage Area
13:15pm – VIP Boat Returns
14:00pm – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
14:00pm – Great Optimist Race prize giving – hosted by Greg Bertish and The City of Cape Town – Stage area
15:00pm – Live music – Stage area
16:00am – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
17:45pm – VIP Yacht Returns
18:00pm – Show Closes
18:00pm – Sunset Cruise Boarding
Sunday 29 October
All day – Sailing Academy, SUP, Kayaking, E-Foiling experiences, and Test Sails
09:00am – Show Opens
09:00am – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
10:45am – VIP Boat Returns
11:00am – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
12:00pm – The Great Optimist Racing Briefing (if the race was postponed)
12:15pm – The Great Optimist Race – weather permitting(if the race was postponed)
12:30pm – Live Music: Stage Area
14:00pm – VIP Boat, Adventure Cruize and Catamaran Cruise Boarding
14:00pm – Great Optimist Race prize giving – hosted by Greg Bertish (if postponed)
14:30pm – Live Music: Stage Area
15:45pm – VIP Boat Returns
16:00pm – Show Closes
