International yachting event to elevate Durban’s Economy and global profile
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Date: 2025-07-18 12:32:23

International yachting event to elevate Durban’s Economy and global profile

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 JULY 2025
 
INTERNATIONAL YACHTING EVENT TO ELEVATE DURBAN’S ECONOMY AND GLOBAL PROFILE
 
Durban is set to make an indelible mark on the global stage as it prepares to host the first-ever African edition of the prestigious Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) On Tour event.
 
This milestone further cements eThekwini’s reputation as a premier destination for investment and international events.
 
Following a comprehensive five-day site inspection and feasibility assessment, a high-level delegation from Italy-based Navigo International, custodians of the YARE programme, endorsed Durban as a strong contender to host the event in November 2026.
 
The proposed hosting of this high-profile event is currently under consideration by Council.
 
Their visit marks a significant step forward in Durban’s drive to position itself within the global blue economy and supports national priorities like Operation Phakisa.
 
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.
 
The event offers a powerful networking platform and drives innovation and collaboration across the maritime sector.
 
From 11 to 15 July, eThekwini Municipality hosted the Navigo delegation, who assessed Durban’s marine infrastructure, port facilities, and shipyard capabilities. 
 
The visit also included strategic engagements with City officials and stakeholders to explore the development of a Durban-focused Superyacht Master Plan.
 
This initiative aligns with the City’s broader Inner-City Regeneration Programme, particularly the Durban Bay Waterfront and Marina Development.
 
City Manager Musa Mbhele hailed the visit as a major success, stating: “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.”
 
Mbhele noted that Navigo has expressed strong interest in long-term partnerships with South Africa, with Durban envisioned as a central hub.
 
“This engagement builds on our participation in global maritime platforms and reflects our commitment to advancing marina development, tourism infrastructure, and the blue economy,” he said.
 
Hosting YARE On Tour aligns with Durban’s strategic vision to become a world-class superyacht destination, supported by the transformation of the Durban Bay Waterfront and Marina. 
 
The initiative also supports national ocean economy strategies and the City’s regeneration goals.
 
The event is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including increased foreign direct investment, tourism growth, and job creation across sectors such as maritime, hospitality, creative industries, and services.
 
Pietro Angelini, General Manager of Navigo, shared his optimism and said: “We have found a very promising location for yachting development here in Durban. The City has immense potential to become a key hub, with opportunities for training and other collaborative ventures.”
 
Mbhele confirmed that the City will continue working with Navigo to finalise the Superyacht Master Plan, which will outline infrastructure, policy, investment, and innovation priorities.
 
“This milestone engagement strengthens our international partnerships and reinforces Durban’s position as a globally connected, investor-ready coastal city,” Mbhele concluded.
 
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.