V&A Waterfront Developments Target Growing Superyacht Market

The V&A Waterfront is developing its superyacht offering through Quay 7 facilities, a new EDITION hotel and longer-term waterfront plans, as Cape Town seeks a larger role in Southern Africa’s cruising market.

Speaking at the African Boating Conference in Cape Town, V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood outlined a vision combining marine infrastructure, hospitality and the development of a new coastal neighbourhood.

The plans come as BOATPro research presented at the conference recorded 36 visiting superyachts longer than 24 metres in Southern Africa in 2025, compared with 14 in 2019.

Quay 7 and EDITION Hotel Form Part of Waterfront Plans

The Quay 7 superyacht development and EDITION hotel form part of an approach extending beyond berthing facilities.

The aim is to combine marine services and accessibility with accommodation, restaurants, retail, cultural attractions and entertainment.

At the V&A Waterfront, visiting yacht owners and guests have access to these amenities directly from the precinct, with Table Mountain forming part of the surrounding setting.

Longer-term plans envisage transforming the surrounding waterfront into a coastal neighbourhood, broadening its role as both a destination and a working precinct.

Southern Africa Attracts Larger Visiting Yachts

BOATPro’s conference research points to growth in both the number and size of superyachts visiting the region.

The V&A Waterfront Marina ranks among the region’s five leading marinas for visiting superyachts, according to the information presented.

These figures provide context for investment intended to attract more international owners, captains and guests.

Visitor Spending Extends Beyond Berthing

The economic opportunity includes marine engineering, provisioning, hospitality, transport and specialist services.

An estimate presented in the supplied material suggests a superyacht valued at US$50 million might generate between US$105,000 and US$330,000 in local expenditure during a two-week visit.

The wider Waterfront precinct already operates at a substantial scale. Covering 123 hectares, it records approximately 25 million visits annually, accommodates more than 1,000 tenants and supports a working community of around 26,000 people.

Further marine and hospitality development is intended to connect visiting yachts with this existing business and tourism network.

Cape Town Positioned as a Regional Cruising Gateway

The Waterfront’s plans also form part of a wider effort to promote Southern Africa as a connected cruising region.

The African Superyacht Working Group is transitioning into Superyacht Africa, a coordinated initiative to market the region internationally.

Cape Town is positioned as a potential principal gateway to routes along Southern Africa’s coastline and into the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius and Seychelles.

The proposition centres on adventure, wildlife, coastlines, luxury hospitality and developing marine infrastructure, offering a distinct experience alongside established Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising regions.

Government Leaders Highlight Marine Economy Support

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Alderman James Vos also addressed the African Boating Conference, reinforcing support for marine investment and employment.

Their priorities included collaboration with industry, improving the ease of doing business and addressing regulatory and commercial barriers to development.

For Cape Town, the next stage involves bringing infrastructure, hospitality and marine services together. The Waterfront’s investment provides a base for attracting visiting yachts while linking their expenditure to local businesses and the wider regional cruising economy.

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