The 20th annual Cape Town International Boat Show, also known as boatica Cape Town, is almost approaching. This year’s event will take place at the V&A Waterfront from October 28 to 30, 2022.
This year, the City of Cape Town rejoins as an official partner. Their support is a significant boost for boatica Cape Town and the boating sector as a general, according to exhibition director Kathryn Frew.
South Africa is a prominent maker of pleasure boats and has a strong blue economy. It is also the second-largest producer of sailing catamaran after France and the largest producer of power catamaran worldwide. The yearly economic contribution of the ocean sector to South Africa is expected to be over $6 million (more than R100 million).
During the three-day show, some of South Africa’s best yachting and boating companies will be on exhibit, along with some pre-owned and luxury boats and catamarans. The experience program will include interactive displays with unique product releases and demonstrations, twice daily test drives, and interactive displays.
“This is the first in-person event in two years, and as organizers, we are thrilled to be able to engage with our guests at last in the spectacular environment that the V&A Waterfront offers. To make sure there is something for everyone at this year’s exhibition, we have catered to a varied audience of boating lovers, said Frew.
VVIPs may benefit from an exciting new collaboration with Universal Concerts, which offers a prestigious event with a small attendance.
The VVIP experience offers upscale alcoholic beverages and the chance to mix with famous people while taking in some of SA’s top entertainment all under one roof.
The “Ultimate Yacht Experience” is a must if you want to live a life of luxury. A luxurious Princess motor boat will take you on a two-hour picturesque sailing tour to Camps Bay and back (weather permitting). The trip is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a little portion of what the exclusive yachting world has to offer, with just 10 tickets being made available for each time slot and beverages and snacks being supplied on-board.
The Great Optimist Race in collaboration with BackaBuddy is just one of the thrilling events on the three-day schedule. Caleb Swanepoel, a two-time winner, will return to defend his championship in the event designed to generate money for sick and underprivileged children. For the pinnacle in boatica Cape Town sailing glory, celebrities like Riaan Manser, Pippa Hudson (702) and Matt Bromley of Big Wave Surfers and Over the Edge renown will compete against captains of industry.
Greg Bertish, the creator of the Little Optimist Trust, is responsible for the idea behind the event. The Great Optimist Race will return to the water in 2022, which makes Bertish happy. With a select group of chosen sailors, survivors, celebrities, and leaders of business taking to the ocean to raise money for several worthy causes, this year’s event is expected to be fast-paced and action-packed.
AllSpice Yachting, Atomic Powerboats, Aquadex Africa, BG Boat Parts, Efoil Cape Town, Esthec/Cloudwize, Maiden Voyage Industries, Maverick Yachts, Mercury/Rutherford Marine, Natal Caravans, SAMSA, Seascape Marine, Southern Power, Supertech Yachts, Suzuki, and Ullman Sails are a few of the companies that have already announced their participation this year.
“We are thrilled with the quantity and caliber of exhibitors coming on board for this year’s event, and our guests can expect a programme packed full of activities, including a sailing clinic, Efoil demonstrations, test drives, and much more. They’ll have a ton of options all weekend long,” Frew said.
Three days, over 100 exhibitors, a showcase of luxury boats, a once-in-a-lifetime VVIP experience, and much more will be featured at Boatica Cape Town 2022.