Cape Town: Boatica Cape Town event is back with a bang and has returned to V&A Waterfront this week. It is Africa’s biggest boating exhibition that will held from Friday, October 25, 2024 to Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Reportedly, this year’s event will feature globally sought-after South African-made boats, the latest boating gear, water sports equipment and cutting-edge marine technology. The event will also feature the highlighted work opportunities within the industry.
Member of the Mayoral Committee – Alderman James Vos said that the City of Cape Town has proudly supported the event that showcases the best in local marine manufacturing the most of which is based right in Cape Town.
According to Vos, Boatica is a highlight for the industry because it is a display of the breadth and variety of innovation, talent and skill of the boat-builders.
The 2024 edition of Boatica will feature more than 70 exhibitors and will also display 50 boats with wide range of activities, which will consider live demonstrations of various vessels, boat racing, product launches and informative talks on the maritime industry.
As per the sources, visitors will also get the chance to participate in experiences, including stand-up paddle boarding and sailing lessons from the South African Sailing Academy.
Considering this, James Vos said that the rich ocean economy is not just about leisure, it is much about creating jobs and driving sustainable practices. By attending Boatica, visitors will get an inside view of the opportunities that the marine sector offers. The event reinforces the commitment to economic growth through high-growth industries.
Moreover, as a part of the efforts put by City of Cape Town to attract local and international visitors, the attendees will be able to purchase the tailored travel packages that feature destination attractions of Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town will once again host a booth at this year’s show with its industry partner, mainly comprised of Blue Cape, NPO and organisation behind the South African Sailing Academy, The Little Optimist Trust, the Shark Spotters NPO and Bag-maker Maykamark.
However, the platform connects attendees with the growing maritime sector, offering diverse career paths. It is an exciting new feature for job-seekers and those looking to be a part of marine manufacturing will be the ‘Job Wall’ which highlight a wide range of employment opportunities within the industry.
Notably, the City of Cape Town supports the Blue Cape in its work. It concentrates mainly on research and skills development, as in all areas of marine manufacturing, that includes boat-building, superyachts and ocean sports. Also involving how those links are related to the marine industries.
Considering this, Blue Cape Founder and Chairman of the South African Boatbuilders Export Council – Bruce Tedder said that the South African leisure boatbuilding industry contributed an incredible estimated amount of R3.2 billion towards the economy of the country, every year.
Tedder added that an amount of R2 billion was invested to the wider ocean economy. Boatica Cape Town plays a pivotal role in promoting the boatbuilding industry of South Africa on global level.
According to him, Boatica Cape Town has made an integral partner to the industry. They anticipate an exceptional show this year, in 2024 event.