V&A Waterfront confirms R230 million investment in dedicated superyacht marina

The V&A Waterfront has officially confirmed long-anticipated plans to develop a dedicated superyacht hub, committing R230 million to the construction of the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina. Scheduled for completion in October 2026, the project aims to formalise Cape Town’s status as a technical maritime base for high-value vessels.

Located in the existing harbour precinct, the new basin is designed to meet the specific technical requirements of international superyachts and the local manufacturing sector.

Berthing: The facility will feature eight berths (six stern-to and two beam-on) for vessels ranging from 30 to 90 meters.

Dual-Purpose Utility: During the yachting off-season, the marina is intended to support the commissioning and export staging of local catamaran builders, including Robertson and Caine and Two Oceans Marine, who currently face berthing constraints.

Technical Specifications: The plan includes modern floating jetties with full utility servicing, a 113m² concierge lounge, and a bonded fuel supply via the FFS refuelling facility at Elbow Quay.

Projected Economic Multiplier Effects: V&A Waterfront management characterizes the investment as a response to shifting market data. Superyacht visits have increased since 2009, with 35 vessels recorded in the 2024/25 season.

The developer argues that the facility functions as economic infrastructure rather than a purely leisure-oriented project. According to Andre Blaine, Executive for Marine & Industrial Property, the presence of these vessels generates localised demand for marine engineers, fuel suppliers, provisioning companies, and crew training facilities. Because these vessels often remain in port for six to twelve months, the project is being positioned as a higher-yield alternative to traditional mass tourism.

Regional Competitiveness and Standards: The project will pursue "Gold Anchor" accreditation, an international standard for marina excellence. By offering a counter-seasonal alternative to Mediterranean routes and serving as a base for Antarctic expeditions, the Quay 7 Marina is designed to compete for a share of the global maritime circuit currently bypassing the region.

The development forms part of a broader precinct expansion, including the new Cape Town EDITION hotel and the refurbished Intercontinental Table Bay, reflecting a significant private sector bet on the Western Cape’s maritime services and luxury tourism sectors.