From quick bites to leisurely meals, the V&A Waterfront offers something for every appetite. Grab a coffee between stops, settle in for a sunset dinner, or explore flavours from around the world.
A neighbourhood that’s yours to discover. From world-class museums and iconic attractions to harbour gems, there are memorable experiences around every corner. Whether it's your first visit or your daily fix, there's always a new reason to explore.
Expect the unexpected. From global brands to unique finds by local makers, there’s something for every shopper. This is world-class shopping with an African twist.
Our neighbourhood is the place to be! From seasonal events to top performances, there’s always something to look forward to. Find out what's on so you can plan your next memorable experience.
Hotels at the V&A Waterfront offer a unique experience inside a neighbourhood that has been alive for over 160 years.
From intimate boutique properties to five-star resorts, every hotel here sits within a working harbour, a creative economy, and a community where there’s always a reason to stay a little longer.
Wake up to the harbour and enjoy your favourite coffee spot as you experience the convenience of having everything within walking distance.
Living at the V&A Waterfront means living inside one of the most connected neighbourhoods in Africa, with everything that comes with it: security, convenience and a view that never gets old.
At the V&A Waterfront, people come together to work, visit, create and belong. More than a destination, it's a neighbourhood of opportunity, supporting 30,000 direct jobs and contributing R45.9 billion to the economy.
A new stretch of Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline is being opened up to the city. Over the next 15 to 20 years, this R20 billion-plus development will bring new homes, hotels, jobs, public space and a protected bay for swimming, kayaking and boating. A 540-metre seawall will help protect the coastline, while a new coastal walkway will connect the V&A directly to the Sea Point promenade.
One of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be visiting the iconic V&A Waterfront in the city of Cape Town for the eleventh time as part of the global race route. The fleet is expected to arrive in the South African city from 6 November 2023.
Image: Clipper Race fleet in Cape Town 2019-20
The Clipper Race sees adventurers from all walks of life take on the exceptional challenge of racing across the world’s oceans on board a 70ft yacht. With 350 plus occupations across the participants, doctors race alongside teachers and tattoo artists, and can sign up for individual legs, or the full 40,000nm circumnavigation.
On this race edition eleven South African crew members will be joining the adventure of a lifetime. Two of the Race Skippers and five Race Crew will get to experience sailing into their country, and five crew members will depart Cape Town to sail across the Roaring Forties to Western Australia.
Many of the Race Crew taking part in this epic adventure have no prior sailing experience. They take on an intensive compulsory four-stage training programme before going on to tackle some of the most challenging conditions that Mother Nature can serve up, from freezing temperatures and 40- foot waves to the blistering heat and flat calms of the tropics.
The eleven-strong fleet of ocean racing yachts will set off from Portsmouth on September 3 and when the Race Crew arrive into the South African port some 50 days later, they will have completed more than 10,000nm.
The arrival into port will mark the end of Leg 2: The South Atlantic Leg. Teams will have a few days to rest, recuperate and explore Cape Town before they set sail on Leg 3: The Roaring Forties Leg to Western Australia. David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront said: “We’re very pleased and look forward to welcoming the Clipper Race community back to the city and the Waterfront, bringing as it does attention to the potential for growing the city’s ocean economy, be that through tourism, education, hospitality and the many other critical services and logistics of hosting this event. Our extraordinary location places the oceans at the heart of the V&A Waterfront’s vision and sharing this resource with the world is key to our purpose.”
Clipper Ventures Deputy Race Director, Dale Smyth, a South African National, had the pleasure of sailing into Cape Town as Race Skipper in the 2017-18 edition. He said: “It’s fantastic that the fleet will once again be visiting my home country of South Africa and taking a stopover at this bustling port in Cape Town. The teams will have faced some grueling days of sailing prior to their arrival – having crossed the unpredictable South Atlantic – but berthing at the V&A Waterfront will be the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery the city has to offer.”
Nestled just beneath Table Mountain and bordered by sea to both sides, Clipper Race crew can expect plenty of activities in the vibrant city of Cape Town during the stopover. With the V&A Waterfont being located close to the historic centre, it makes it perfect base to visit the many beaches, mountains, and forests nearby: top things to do include hiking Table Mountain, driving along the coastal roads or simply taking in the buzz of city life at the many galleries and cafes.
Getting to experience the pride of sailing into their home country this year are South African Skippers Greg Hunt and Ryan Gibson.
Image: Skippers Ryan and Gibson and Greg Hunter
Capetonian Skipper Ryan Gibson said “Sailing into South Africa on the route will be amazing! I sailed out in 2008 and I’ve basically been working on boats ever since. I’ve come home for regular visits, but I’ve never sailed in so to arrive in the city with the Clipper Race as a Skipper will be one of the highlights of my career.”
Race Skipper Greg Hunt added: “Sailing home to South Africa with my crew will be an honour and I can’t wait to show them our beautiful country. I’m also really looking forward to racing from South Africa to Australia- I’m sure we’ll fly along! I think it’s going to be some of the best sailing, downwind for days on end.”
Eleven South African crew are participating in the Clipper 2023-24 Race. Five of these adventurers will experience sailing into their home country at the completion of Leg 2 and five Race Crew will depart Cape Town marking the start of Leg 3.
The Clipper Race fleet is expected to arrive at V&A Waterfront from 6 November 2022 and will depart on 16 November.
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