On Saturday, the annual Opening Cruise event saw the Royal Cape Yacht Club and Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos launching Cape Town’s sailing season.
Not even the drizzly weather could rain on this parade. Boats and crews all dressed up in Shweshwe prints and vibrant colours to represent this year’s theme, ‘Spirit of Africa’.

The event celebrates all those Capetonians who contribute to the city’s ocean economy.
“In Cape Town, the coastline around the metro contributes almost R40 billion, or 10%, to the city’s GDP per annum,” says Vos.

The day’s proceedings began with an address by the club’s commodore and a blessing of the fleet. Thereafter, the boats departed from the Royal Cape Yacht Club, passing the Waterfront Clock Tower to the V&A Waterfront terminal.
The crews saluted the commodore and the ceremonial cannon firing ensued.

The event precedes the official opening of cruise season which will take place next week as the Mother City greets the Hanseatic Spirit cruise ship, to V&A Waterfront’s world-class cruise terminal.
The City of Cape Town expects to welcome over 100 cruise ship visits during this coming cruise season, starting in November 2022 and ending in April 2023.
“I’m excited to share that we are expecting a further five cruise ships in addition to the 104 already booked to dock in Cape Town. With almost R100 million in total estimated passenger spend per port visit, the cruise travel sector is a major boost to our economy and will help generate more jobs across various related industries,” says Vos.
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Picture: City of Cape Town