Establishing a Southern Africa/Indian Ocean Islands Superyacht Route
Gilbert d’Offay, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts Seychelles participated in a panel discussion at the inaugural African Boat Conference in Cape Town in October 2025. “Besides offering a sailing venue out of the Med & Caribbean season, Africa has something money cannot buy – culture and biodiversity, and there’s so much potential in this region.” enthused d’Offay. “The focus of the conference has been to establish a robust Southern Africa/Indian Ocean Islands Superyacht Route, an attending this conference has been a truly inspiring experience. It also marks a pivotal moment for the region’s marine sector as the atmosphere was vibrant, drawing over 200 experts, innovators and stakeholders from across the yachting industry.
Conference sessions included a session entitled “Beyond the Cape: Mapping a Superyacht Route around Southern Africa”, hosted by Hillary Buckman, founder and director of Ocean Media Australia. Drawing comparisons with the well-established industries of Australia and New Zealand, Buckman emphasised the opportunities awaiting Africa if it positions itself as a premium destination. The panellists proposed Cape Town, Mozambique, Madagascar, Réunion, Seychelles, and the islands off Tanzania as prime stopovers. However, all agreed there is a strong need for intermediate facilities and safe anchorages to ensure smooth passage for captains.
The panel session on “A Growing Appetite for Exploration”, focused on how superyacht owners are increasingly seeking unexplored destinations. The “Infrastructure and Collaboration” session found the success of the proposed route hinges not just on facilities but also regional cooperation.
Emphasizing the need for harmonious regulations across borders, d’Offay commented, “A lot of people have worked in their individual regions, but now we must align regulations. It’s not just about the journey but also about time spent in each country. Superyachts often stay longer than intended if they enjoy the destination. Collaboration is essential for a seamless experience. The Conference gave me the opportunity to participate in insightful discussions, and engage in meaningful networking. As well as exploring innovative solutions tailored to Africa's Superyacht needs. The conference was an enriching experience that expanded my understanding of the industry and highlighted the exciting future of Africa’s Superyacht market.”
Feedback from participants was positive, and they felt the conference achieved its goal of creating a dedicated, business-to-business platform, and left participants energized about the future. With a collaborative approach and clear strategies Africa’s yachting industry can expect a bright future.