V&A Waterfront is taking steps to attract the global superyacht market by introducing new luxury hospitality and marine infrastructure facilities. The goal is to transform Cape Town into a more significant international destination for yachting.
The plans include the construction of a new EDITION hotel and the development of superyacht facilities on Quay 7. These measures aim to capitalize on the growing number of visits by the world's largest private yachts to South Africa.
Graham Wood, CEO of V&A Waterfront, presented the ambitions of the area at the African Maritime Conference in Cape Town. According to new industry research, 36 superyachts over 24 meters long visited South Africa in 2025, exceeding the figure of 14 such vessels in 2019.
Research by BOATPro, presented at the conference, showed that the average length of visiting yachts in the region reached 60 meters last year, compared to the global average of about 34 meters.
The increase in visits opens up opportunities for Cape Town businesses in the maritime, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Data presented at the conference indicates that a $50 million superyacht can generate between $105,000 and $330,000 in local revenue during a two-week visit.
These funds can support services such as marine engineering, provisioning, transport, accommodation, restaurants, and other specialized services. The V&A Waterfront marina is already among the top five marinas in the region for accommodating superyachts.
In addition to berthing spots, the area offers restaurants, upscale residences, retail outlets, and cultural attractions within walking distance of the vessels, with Table Mountain providing a scenic backdrop. The planned facilities on Quay 7 and the new EDITION hotel are intended to enhance the appeal of the offering for yacht owners, captains, and guests requiring marine services alongside luxury accommodation.
The V&A Waterfront area spans 123 hectares, hosts approximately 25 million visitors annually, and serves over 1,000 tenants. The complex supports a workforce of around 26,000 people, underscoring its contribution to the local economy. The long-term vision includes transforming the adjacent waterfront into a coastal district while simultaneously developing infrastructure to accommodate a greater number of visiting superyachts.
The ambitions extend beyond Cape Town: stakeholders are working to establish South Africa as a connected cruising region offering coastal destinations and experiences extending into the Indian Ocean. The African Superyacht Working Group is transforming into Superyacht Africa—an initiative designed to promote the region internationally and attract yacht owners seeking alternatives to established destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Potential routes include Mauritius and the Seychelles, as well as the South African coast, wildlife experiences, and luxury hospitality offerings. The strategy focuses on creating a recognizable African cruising proposition while improving marine infrastructure and services for arriving vessels.
Western Cape Premier Alan Wind and Cape Town City Committee member for Economic Growth James Vos affirmed their commitment to developing the maritime economy, attracting investment, and removing regulatory and business barriers at the conference. For Cape Town, the opportunity lies in converting growing regional interest into sustainable economic activity in yacht servicing, technical services, hospitality, and tourism. V&A Waterfront's investments are part of these broader efforts to strengthen the city's position in the international superyacht market and create opportunities for local businesses.
