Cape Town sets sail with R230 million superyacht marina
Cape Town is steering into a new era of luxury maritime tourism. The V&A Waterfront has unveiled a R230 million plan to build a dedicated superyacht marina, positioning the Mother City as a global hotspot for high-end yachts.
According to IOL , The Quay 7 Superyacht Marina, poised to open in October, will sit right in front of the upcoming Cape Town EDITION hotel, offering jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. With 35 superyachts visiting in the 2024/25 season alone, demand has been steadily rising since 2009, according to V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood.
“Many vessels stay for six months, sometimes a year, because Cape Town blends world-class tourism, reliable marine services, and access to cruising routes you won’t find elsewhere,” Wood says.
More than a pretty harbour
This isn’t just a luxury playground. During peak season, the marina will host superyachts between 40 and 90 meters. Off-season, it will support Cape Town’s booming catamaran export industry, making it a year-round engine for local business.
Andre Blaine, executive of Marine and Industrial Property, highlights the economic ripple effect: “It’s infrastructure that sustains fuel suppliers, provisioning companies, marine engineers, and logistics operators. Local manufacturers also benefit from berthing space for commissioning. Cape Town becomes not just scenic, but technically credible.”
Boosting high-value tourism
The marina aligns with a low-volume, high-value tourism model. “A single superyacht generates far more economic activity than hundreds of regular tourists,” Wood notes. Blaine adds: “These vessels refuel with hundreds of thousands of litres, source provisions at scale, and hire local contractors. The spend is significant, but manageable, and it stays local.”
Sustainability at the helm
Cape Town’s new marina isn’t just about luxury; it’s also setting standards for sustainability. The basin aims for Gold Anchor accreditation, a global benchmark for marina excellence, and will follow strict environmental management protocols in line with V&A Waterfront commitments.
“More than 30,000 vessels pass Cape Town annually,” Blaine says. “The cruise season is now nine months long, marine repair and manufacturing are thriving, and the market has been telling us for years: Cape Town belongs on the global maritime map.”
Wood sums it up simply: “We’re not chasing prestige. We’re providing infrastructure that works year-round, strengthens local industry, and ensures Cape Town remains competitive on the world stage.”
With this investment, Cape Town isn’t just adding a new marina; it’s anchoring itself firmly as a premier destination for luxury yachting, blending adventure, scenery, and industry into one spectacular waterfront experience.
Source: IOL
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