South Africa's leading boatbuilders unite for a rare industry conversation
by African Boating Conference 29 Jul 02:55 PDT
20-21 October 2026
Christian Möller © African Boating Conference
For the first time, four of South Africa's foremost boatbuilders will share the stage at the African Boating Conference to discuss the realities of manufacturing world-class vessels, competing in global markets and shaping the future of one of the country's most respected marine industries.
South Africa's boatbuilding industry has quietly earned a global reputation for designing and manufacturing world-class vessels, from commercial rescue craft and luxury catamarans to high-performance sailing yachts. Yet despite their success on the international stage, the leaders behind these businesses have rarely shared a public platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Today, the industry is recognised as one of South Africa's manufacturing success stories. Boat exports reached approximately R4.9 billion in 2024, the sector supports around 4,800 direct jobs, and an estimated 94 per cent of recreational boats built locally are exported, reinforcing South Africa's reputation as a globally competitive boatbuilding nation.
That conversation will take centre stage at the African Boating Conference (ABC) 2026, where four of the country's leading manufacturers will come together for Built in Africa—a candid and unscripted discussion exploring what it takes to manufacture for international markets from the southern tip of Africa.
The panel will feature:
- Gerhard Neethling, Chief Executive Officer, Owner Gemini Marine
- James Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Vision Yachts
- Mark Delany, Managing Director, Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing
- Christian Möller, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Wind Shipyard
Collectively, these companies represent the breadth and diversity of South African boatbuilding, producing everything from commercial and rescue vessels to internationally acclaimed sailing yachts, luxury catamarans and custom motor yachts for clients around the world.
While their businesses serve different markets, they share many of the same realities. The discussion will examine how manufacturers have adapted in the years since the Covid pandemic, responding to changing global demand, supply chain disruption, workforce development, technological innovation and the ongoing challenge of remaining internationally competitive.
Conference organiser Veda Pretorius said the session reflects the growing importance of marine manufacturing to South Africa's economy and Africa's expanding blue economy.
"South Africa has built an enviable international reputation for producing exceptional boats and yachts, but the people behind that success rarely have the opportunity to come together and openly discuss the industry's future," said Pretorius.
"Built in Africa will provide delegates with direct access to the experience and insights of leaders who continue to compete successfully on the global stage while manufacturing in South Africa. It promises to be an honest conversation about resilience, innovation and the opportunities that lie ahead for our industry."
Designed as an interactive discussion rather than a series of presentations, Built in Africa, will provide delegates with valuable insight into the strategic decisions shaping South Africa's boatbuilding sector and the opportunities that lie ahead.
The session forms part of the African Boating Conference 2026, taking place on 20-21 October at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Bringing together industry leaders, marina developers, investors, government representatives and marine professionals from across Africa and beyond, the conference explores the opportunities driving the continent's growing recreational boating and blue economy sectors.
For an industry that has earned international respect through innovation, craftsmanship and export success, Built in Africa offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping the future of South African boatbuilding.