The African Boating Conference 2025 closed on 22 October 2025, with the final day showcasing Africa’s growing influence in global marine manufacturing and tourism, emphasising innovation, collaboration and sustainability.
Theo Loock, managing director of Robertson and Caine, opened the second day with a keynote, ‘Boatbuilding in the African Content,’ highlighting local craftsmanship and Cape Town’s emergence as a global yacht-building hub.
Loock marked the company’s 3000th Leopard catamaran milestone and emphasised a people-focused approach: “We build people who build award-winning catamarans.”
Following Loock, Arturo Gutierrez, general manager for Freedom Boat Club EMEA, presented ‘Navigating New Waters,’ discussing how shared access boating models are broadening participation worldwide and could create new opportunities across Africa.
Two panel discussions addressed Tourism & Marina Development and Cruising Routes & Superyachts, examining infrastructure gaps, investment opportunities and potential cross-border collaborations. Speakers highlighted Africa’s unique potential to expand marine tourism while building local skills and promoting inclusion.
To close the event, a keynote was delivered by Anderes Kurten, CEO of Fraser Yachts, titled “Steering Toward Sustainability,” which encouraged industry leaders to place sustainability at the core of Africa’s marine sector expansion.
Conference directors Veda Pretorious and Maryanne Edwards concluded the event, emphasising key priorities for the sector and highlighting the need for connected marinas and coastal infrastructure to support local boaters and visiting yachts.
They stressed the importance of creating a pathway for youth and women to enter the marine workforce, while expanding shared-access models to increase participation and diversity across the industry. Regional coordination and collaboration were also discussed, particularly in developing a Southern African superyacht strategy.
Central to all efforts, they noted, must be commitment to environmental responsibility. Veda Pretorius concludes: “This conference is just the beginning. What happens next will shape the future of boating in Africa.”
Following this conference, the Cape Town Boat Show is taking place from 24-26 October 2025 at the V&A Waterfront.
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