Local Industry Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to African Boating Conference 2026
20–21 October Cape Town South Africa
The African Boating Conference (ABC) has announced the early return of three key local sponsors for its 2026 edition: Seascape Marine Services, Ullman Sails, and MDM (Marine Distribution & Manufacturing), the South African distributor for Raymarine.
In a clear vote of confidence, all three companies recommitted to the conference immediately upon being approached, underscoring both the value of the platform and their shared commitment to advancing Africa’s marine industry.
Their renewed support comes at a pivotal time for South Africa’s boatbuilding sector, which continues to navigate mounting global pressures, including US tariffs and increased competition in European markets. As major suppliers to local boatbuilders, these companies play a critical role in sustaining and strengthening the industry’s ecosystem.
The inaugural African Boating Conference in 2025 brought together over 200 delegates from 17 countries, including all of South Africa’s leading boatbuilders—many of whom have already confirmed their intention to return in 2026. This strong industry participation highlights the growing importance of ABC as a central meeting point for stakeholders across the marine value chain.
Backing African Manufacturing
Seascape Marine Services, a founding sponsor of the conference, continues to be a cornerstone of the local marine supply chain. As a key supplier to South African boatbuilders—and with longstanding relationships across the sector, including leading catamaran manufacturers, Seascape’s continued involvement reflects its deep-rooted investment in the industry’s future. As distributors of advanced technologies such as Seakeeper stabilisers, the company plays a vital role in bringing innovation to the African market.
“What an incredible honour it was to be part of the very first African Boating Conference last year. The passion, innovation, and collaboration we experienced truly reinforced our belief in this event & the future of Africa’s marine industry. At Seascape Marine Services, we are deeply committed to growing and supporting this sector, which is why we are so eager to return as a headline sponsor in 2026. Events like this don’t just inspire conversation, they drive real progress and we are proud to play a part in shaping the future of boating in Africa.” - Jamie de Jong, Director Seascape Marine Services
Ullman Sails SA, CEO, Michael Wittels emphasised the broader significance of supporting both the conference and the continent.
“We see our partnership with ABC not only as testament to our long-standing commitment to sailing, but as backing Africa as a serious player in the global marine industry. We believe Africa’s tenacity will drive undeniable growth in the marine sector.”
Michael Wittels CEO Ullman Sails SA
MDM (Marine Distribution & Manufacturing), as the South African distributor for Raymarine, represents the electronics and navigation backbone of the local marine industry. Working closely with boatbuilders, MDM ensures that locally built vessels are equipped with world-class navigation and communication systems, supporting both build quality and global competitiveness. Their continued sponsorship reflects confidence not only in the conference, but in the resilience and future growth of African boatbuilding.
The value of getting in early is already resonating across the industry. As Hylton Morris Managing Director of MDM, so directly puts it: “The best B2B event in the southern hemisphere. Early adopters reap the benefit when everyone clambers to join.”
A Platform That Delivers Value
The immediate recommitment from these three companies reflects the tangible value delivered by ABC—not only in terms of visibility and networking, but in its role as a catalyst for industry alignment and growth.
By bringing together boatbuilders, suppliers, policymakers, and international stakeholders, the conference creates a unified platform to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities across Africa’s blue economy.
With strong backing from both returning sponsors and leading manufacturers, the African Boating Conference 2026 is set to build on the momentum of its inaugural edition, further positioning Africa as an emerging force in the global marine industry.
Africa’s emergence as a serious player in the global yachting industry has been reinforced with the announcement of two high-profile speakers at the African Boating Conference.
The African Boating Conference (ABC), taking place on 20–21 October in Cape Town, has further strengthened its international standing with the confirmation of two influential industry figures: Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, and Paris Baloumis, Director of Strategic Alliances at Oceanco.
Their participation underscores the growing global relevance of Africa’s marine sector and reinforces ABC’s role as a key platform for industry collaboration, investment, and strategic dialogue.
Connecting Africa with the Middle East
The inclusion of Gulf Craft brings a powerful Middle Eastern dimension to the conference. As one of the key players in the global leisure marine industry, the company has built a strong reputation in emerging and high-growth markets.
Erwin Bamps’ participation signals increasing alignment between Africa and the Gulf region, particularly as yacht owners and operators seek new cruising destinations. For Africa, this presents a clear opportunity to position itself as a natural extension of Middle Eastern itineraries—supported by investment in marina infrastructure, service capability, and destination development.
“As the global yachting landscape evolves, we are seeing increasing interest in exploring new cruising destinations. Africa presents a compelling opportunity, combining natural appeal with steadily advancing infrastructure. Platforms such as the African Boating Conference are key to aligning industry stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the development required to position the continent within the international yachting ecosystem.” - Erwin Bamps
From South African Roots to Global Influence
The presence of Oceanco brings a powerful homegrown success story with true global reach. With roots in South Africa, the company has evolved into one of the world’s most respected builders of large, custom yachts, setting benchmarks in innovation and human centric ambition.
Paris Baloumis, Director of Strategic Alliances, will offer a perspective on Oceanco’s evolution, its collaborative approach to innovation and its role in shaping a meaningful community around its brand. His insights are particularly relevant as Africa looks to unlock the full potential of its blue economy.
Oceanco’s journey stands as a clear demonstration of what is possible, showcasing how businesses without long standing heritage can grow with credibility, scale with purpose and establish themselves on the global stage.
“Oceanco’s story is, and always has been, about people. From its roots in South African craftsmanship to who we are today, that foundation continues to shape everything we do, driven by a clear pursuit of innovation through collaborations. The African Boating Conference is an opportunity to share perspectives across regions and contribute to a more connected and forward-looking global yachting industry.” - Paris Baloumis
Together, these speakers represent complementary pillars of the superyacht ecosystem. Their combined presence offers delegates a rare, full-spectrum view of the industry’s value chain and the opportunities emerging across it.
Maryanne Edwards, who has previously worked closely with both speakers commented: “Having engaged with both Erwin and Paris at industry events in the past, I can confidently say they are consummate professionals, highly engaging, insightful, and consistently valuable contributors. Their involvement adds real substance to the African Boating Conference and will undoubtedly elevate the quality of discussion.”
With momentum continuing to build, the African Boating Conference is rapidly establishing itself as a must-attend event for stakeholders invested in the future of boating and marina development across the continent.
By attracting globally respected leaders alongside African innovators, ABC is creating a platform where meaningful connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and tangible opportunities are unlocked.
About the African Boating Conference
The African Boating Conference, to be held in Cape Town 20-21 October 2026, brings together global industry leaders, investors, and regional stakeholders to explore opportunities in marina development and the broader blue economy across Africa.
As momentum continues to build, ABC is rapidly establishing itself as a must-attend event for those invested in the future of boating on the continent, creating a platform where meaningful connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and tangible opportunities are unlocked.
For those interested in participating, or knowing more about the African Boating Conference, contact Maryanne Edwards at
Visit their website HERE
