ABOUT THE FAIR
Boatica Cape Town takes place at the picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. Organized by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, this unique fair serves as a central meeting point for enthusiasts and professionals from the boating, yachting, and watersports industries.
The name "Boatica" reflects the core themes of the fair: boats and the nautical experience expected by both visitors and exhibitors. As a standout event, the fair emphasizes the maritime culture and the economic significance of the sea to the Cape Town region.
Boatica Cape Town showcases the full spectrum of the maritime and watersports industry. From luxury yachts and catamarans to engines and specialized boating accessories, to watersport equipment such as jet skis, canoes, kayaks, rowing, rafting, and stand-up paddling boards—all are presented. Additionally, the fair serves as a platform for innovative services and products, including the latest technologies in areas such as e-foiling, harbor facilities, beach resorts, and sustainable boat construction.
The fair attracts not only local but also international visitors who are passionate about the maritime industry and watersports. It strengthens Cape Town's role as a center of the boating industry and boosts the local economy through the international attention and tourism it generates.
Each year, new boats are unveiled, and visitors have the opportunity to participate in live demonstrations, take the helm themselves, or compete in exciting competitions like SUP races. Through partnerships with educational institutions such as the Little Optimist Sailing Academy, the fair also offers memorable experiences for the entire family.
The main audience for Boatica includes professionals from the boat and shipbuilding sectors and watersports enthusiasts. The fair acts as a bridge between manufacturers, dealers, and end customers and provides an excellent platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and technologies.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the venue for the fair, is not only a historic harbor but also a popular tourist attraction with excellent infrastructure. It is ideally located and offers numerous opportunities for entertainment, dining, and shopping—perfect for combining a visit to the fair with the experience of Cape Town.
Thus, Boatica Cape Town is much more than just a fair; it is a showcase of the maritime industry that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology and vibrant local culture.
On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 3 days of the fair, from 27. October to 29. October 2023, about 71 exhibitors and 3291 visitors on the boatica in Cape Town. The boatica takes place irregularly, and therefore for the 21st time previsibly in January 2026 in Cape Town.