Cape Town bets big on superyachts with R230m marina investment at V&A Waterfront

Cape Town is doubling down on the global superyacht market, with a R230 million investment confirmed for a purpose-built marina at the V&A Waterfront.

The development will sit alongside the new R1.5 billion Cape Town Edition hotel, operated by Marriott, forming part of a broader luxury expansion at the precinct.

The Key 7 superyacht marina is scheduled for completion in October.

A play for global superyacht traffic

Superyachts are already visiting Cape Town in growing numbers, but industry players say dedicated infrastructure is key to turning the city into a top-tier destination.

Director of Super Yacht Cape Town, Veda Raubenheimer Pretorius, said the investment marks a turning point.

“I’m absolutely over the moon.”

She said while the V&A Waterfront already offers strong support services, it lacked the specialised marine infrastructure needed to compete globally.

“To become a true destination… You really need to have the proper infrastructure and a high level of service.”

Big money beyond the billionaires

While the image of superyachts is tied to extreme wealth, the economic impact stretches far beyond the owners.

Pretorius said the real value lies in the wider ecosystem.

She added that every visiting vessel drives spending across multiple sectors.

“When the superyacht is in town… a lot of money is spent on provisioning… and continual maintenance and small repairs.

“The guest is really a very small component when you look at the whole economic impact.”

Jobs, skills and a growing industry

The marina is expected to boost opportunities for young South Africans looking to enter the global superyacht industry.

Having Cape Town positioned as a recognised superyacht hub could increase demand for local crew, technical skills, and marine services.

It also strengthens the case for South Africa as part of a broader African superyacht route, linking destinations like Mauritius and Seychelles.

“We were lacking one high-level superyacht marina… which is what the Waterfront is creating now.”

A year-round economic engine

While superyacht traffic typically peaks in summer, the marina is expected to generate activity throughout the year.

In winter, it could host locally built yachts awaiting export, alongside international yacht races and cruising rallies.

“There are so many of those yachts coming into South Africa that I can assure you that the marina will be full.”

Pretorius said vessels often extend their stays once they experience the city’s services and infrastructure.

Timing aligns with global shifts

Global uncertainty, including fuel concerns and geopolitical tensions, has disrupted traditional yacht routes.

Some vessels have avoided certain regions entirely, while others remain closer to home.

But Pretorius said this creates an opening for Cape Town to attract traffic from the east, including Australia and Southeast Asia.

“We should now be using this time to actively promote this region.”

A luxury spectacle with local impact

With its combination of high-end tourism, marine services, and global connectivity, the new marina positions Cape Town as a serious player in the superyacht economy.

Beyond the spectacle of luxury vessels docking in the city, the real prize is sustained economic activity, from jobs and skills to supply chains and services.

For more information, listen to Pretorius on CapeTalk’s Afternoon Drive with John Maytham using the audio player below: