The 29th annual Monaco Yacht Show, which ran from 25 – 28 September, is the most glamorous event in the yachting world. This year the principality on the Mediterranean coast welcomed 125 superyachts worth a total of about R65.5 billion ($4.29 billion).
‘As a showcase for the latest and best superyachts on the water, nothing compares to Monaco,’ said Stewart Campbell, editor of Boat International to CNN.
Although superyachts are not a common feature in South Africa, with such a lengthy coastline we do have a substantial maritime culture. Cape Town has been a port of call for Volvo Ocean Race since its inception in 1973 and our waters carry everything from container ships, cruise ships, fishing and pleasure boats to catamarans and yachts.
Although our waters are not as calm as the Med and not quite as warm, there are numerous spots where you can set sail and make memories worthy of a beautiful Instagram feed.
1. Knysna, Western Cape
Knysna’s lagoon is an idyllic place for a spot of boating. Springtide Charters is one of the companies offering all sorts of yacht trips, from sunset or lunch time cruises to four-hour sailing trips across the lagoon and out between Knysna’s Heads into the Indian Ocean. They also offer private charters if you’d like to book the yatch all to yourselves. springtide.co.za
2. Port Owen, West Coast, Western Cape
Sandpiper Yacht Charters will take you for cruises along SA’s West Coast, from the beautiful marina in Port Owen, where you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe somewhere, to Langebaan’s blue lagoon, the choice is yours. sandpipercharters.co.za
3. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
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You’ll find yatchs moored at the Durban Marina, Royal Natal Yatch Club and the Point Yatch Clud and there are a number of yatchs and boats available for hire, for anything from corporate events to private parties or you can just join a cruise group. Contact spiritofelan.co.za, madevucharters.co.za or boathirebythesea.co.za
4. Cape Town, Western Cape
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The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most famous venues where visitors and locals enjoy food, shopping, shows, the Two Oceans Aquarium and boat trips of course. There’s a variety on offer from the Robin Island Ferry to a pirate ship, catamarans and yachts. Sunset cruises to Clifton are a popular option but you can hire a yatch for the day and have your own party too. Contact waterfrontcharters.co.za or luxuryyachtcharters.co.za
5. Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
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Nomad Yatch Charters, based in Richard’s Bay, offers day trips or weekend trips – you can sail down to Durban or to Cape Vidal – or set sail from Richard’s Bay to Mozambique on a sailing holiday. nomad-yachtcharters.co.za
Featured image: Pexels
