Superyacht industry interest fuels Durban’s blue economy ambitions
Durban has taken a step toward positioning itself as Africa’s leading superyacht destination,
Image: Supplied
Durban has taken a step toward positioning itself as Africa’s leading superyacht destination, following a site visit by Italy’s Navigo International, organisers of the global Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE).
The delegation spent five days assessing Durban’s marine infrastructure and port facilities as part of its bid to host the first-ever African edition of the event in November 2026.
"YARE is a globally recognised annual business conference for the superyacht industry, bringing together shipyards, service providers, and over 100 superyacht captains, alongside more than 300 top-tier global companies".
According to the eThekwini Municipality, the hosting of the event is currently under consideration by the Council.
Earlier this week, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government also signed an agreement with Navigo aimed at unlocking the province’s estimated R100 billion ocean economy.
The deal included plans for a superyacht manufacturing hub, marine skills training, port upgrades, and international marketing of KZN-built vessels
“This event will provide a high-impact platform to showcase Durban as a global investment destination. It will elevate our profile in the luxury tourism and marine innovation sectors, and attract international events to our shores,” city manager Musa Mbhele said.
This comes as the city works to revitalise the tourism economy, which has faced setbacks in recent years due to declining visitor numbers and beach closures linked to E. coli contamination. These issues have affected visitor numbers and the city’s reputation as a tourism destination.
General Manager of Navigo International, Pietro Angelini, expressed strong confidence in Durban’s potential to become a major superyacht hub, not just for South Africa but for the wider Southern African region.
"We have found a very good place to develop a yachting destination. For the southern part of Africa, but even for this southern part of the place, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar," Angelini said.
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za