Unlocking Africa’s domestic boating potential

Discussions aim to address barriers

SOUTH AFRICA: Despite claiming a leading position as a supplier of boats and yachts to the international market, South Africa has not been able to drive a vibrant domestic boating culture to support further growth in local boat building.

Editor of Maritime Review Africa, Colleen Jacka, will moderate a panel discussion aimed at exploring the real-world barriers preventing broader African participation in boating at next month’s African Boating Conference in Cape Town.

“While we can continue to celebrate our success on global markets, we should not be ignoring the potential of introducing more people to the pleasures of boating in the country and on the continent. Promoting the boating lifestyle and showcasing the variety of boats available can only benefit not only the local boatbuilding sector, but also downstream industries that support it,” says Jacka.

While the costs associated with boating are certainly a relevant hindrance, there is wealth on the continent. “The key is to promote the lifestyle amongst within communities through channels that will appeal to their sense of adventure. Boats offer opportunities to engage in more than recreational fishing, and a myriad of available water activities should attract diverse interest,” she adds.

The session will cut through industry optimism to examine the hard truths about cultural nuances, affordability gaps, ageing demographics, and infrastructure challenges that keep boating exclusive rather than accessible across the continent.

The panel includes Suzanne Levy (Owner, Boating World), Debbie James (National Boating Manager, SAMSA), Melvin Victor (Marine General Manager, Yamaha South Africa) and Stuart Loxton (Director, Motor and Sail Investment Yachts).

Together they bring decades of experience in the boating world to the conversation and will be able to engage on trends, safety, technological advances as well as financial and market realities.

PHOTO: Activities such as the Youth Regatta hosted by the Royal Cape Yacht Club help promote water and boating activities to a new generation. (© Maritime Review Africa)

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