CAPE TOWN — South Africa’s standing as a flourishing global leader in boat building is drawing international attention, thanks particularly to the extraordinary solo-sailing achievement of Kirsten Neuschafer, according to John Lawson, CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In his column he celebrates both Neuschafer’s feat and Cape Town’s hosting of the first-ever African Boating Conference this week, seeing them as interlinked success stories built on home-grown knowledge, determination and passion.

A global sailing triumph
Two years ago Neuschafer astonished the world by accomplishing a non-stop, solo round-the-world race in 233 days. Her victory made her the first-ever woman to win the race and even to complete it. Remarkably, she also rescued a fellow competitor on the gruelling voyage.

Adhering to strict race rules Neuschafer navigated 30 000 nautical miles without modern electronic equipment, relying instead on a sextant and the stars.

Before embarking on her epic voyage her trophy-winning 36-ft yacht was expertly modified and fine-tuned at a local Cape Town yard, linking her personal victory directly to the city’s marine expertise.

Cape Town: A boating powerhouse
Lawson notes that the decision to host the inaugural African Boating Conference in Cape Town is a “global triumph” for the city’s rapidly expanding ocean economy.

Cape Town has cemented its status as a regional boat-building hub and is home to one of the world’s largest producers of luxury catamarans, Robertson and Caine, alongside several other top-tier yards. The industry has experienced massive export growth, driven by a blend of skilled artisans and experts who see boat building as a natural extension of their sailing passion.

The CEO highlighted impressive growth figures, stating that for several years before Covid the sector grew at an average of 17% per annum (based on SABBEX figures), far outpacing the national economy.

“Cape Town is now the city producing the most luxury catamarans worldwide,” Lawson stated, noting that new boats are often shipped overseas, primarily to the US, almost as soon as they are finished.

In 2024 South African boat and ship exports totalled a staggering R4,3 billion.

Lessons in competitive advantage
Lawson argues that the common thread linking Neuschafer’s solo courage and the industry’s success is “determination and the ability to make the most of competitive advantage, key components of most thriving enterprises.”

This industry stewardship has successfully attracted international investment and boosted crucial skills development. A consortium of professionals, including the City of Cape Town and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, have formed BlueCape, an initiative dedicated to expanding the ocean economy.

As the key host of this week’s African Boating Conference, BlueCape is now showcasing this sector’s success story on a global stage, a success, much like Neuschafer’s triumph, that is “built on a legacy of passion and expertise.”