27 Oct 2023 WATERFRONT WELCOMES ALL SAILING AND BOATING ENTHUSIASTS The Waterfront has once again earned Blue Flag Status for the health of its waterways, which not only are a sanctuary for marine wildlife but are part of our vibrant visitor experience. And in the month of October into November, our neighbourhood is filled with water activity, welcoming the Ocean Globe Race, Boatica Cape Town and Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. All are open to the public to experience. Ocean Globe Race Credit: Ocean Globe Race An eight-month retro yacht race in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Whitbread Round the World Race. The 14 iconic yachts racing in the Ocean Globe have arrived in Cape Town and you can catch them docked at Jetty 2, near the Table Bay Hotel, for an up-close view. Public events to look forward to: On 2 November, The OGR is hosting a press conference at 2:00pm at the V&A Amphitheatre – the perfect opportunity to meet the skippers and crew. On 4 November, come down and say farewell to the teams from 11:00am at the V&A Amphitheatre. Clipper Round the World Yacht Race A unique 40,000-mile ocean endurance challenge that transforms diverse individuals into ocean racers through rigorous training. This event offers participants the option to circle the globe, or join specific legs, regardless of their prior sailing experience. The race teams are expected to arrive at the V&A in the first week of November. Key events to look forward to include: Clipper Race Dome is open: 8 – 16 November: 9:00am – 5:00pm You can meet the alumni (those who have participated in the thrilling adventure previously) and find out more about taking on the world’s biggest oceans. Public Yacht Tours: Sunday, 12 November: 9:00am – 7:00pm Members of the public are welcome to come and explore what it is like to live onboard a Clipper Racing Yacht for free. Youth Group & Schools Yacht tours: 12 – 14 November 9:00am – 5:00pm Working with local schools and community, the Clipper Race has made the option for children to come and experience what life onboard an Ocean Racing Yachts is like. Race Start: Thursday, 16 November 12:00pm – 15:00pm Follow the action of the race start as the Clipper Race fleet departs the V&A Waterfront Marina, and embarks on the 4,750nm to Fremantle, Australia. Boatica Cape Town Previously known as the Cape Town International Boat Show, Boatica Cape Town is Africa’s largest boating exhibition, offering the finest in South African boat manufacturing, marine accessories, and water sports experiences. The event features yachts, catamarans, interactive on-water displays, and a unique ultimate yacht experience. Event dates are listed below: Friday, 27 October – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday, 28 October – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday, 29 October – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: Marina Click here to purchase tickets V&A Marina celebrates fifth consecutive year of Blue Flag excellence The V&A Waterfront Marina has once again achieved Blue Flag status for the 2023/2024 season, a remarkable achievement for the fifth consecutive year. This recognition comes from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), reaffirming the V&A’s steadfast dedication to sustainable tourism and the preservation of the marine ecosystem in beautiful Cape Town. This continued commitment to environmental stewardship is a testament to the V&A Waterfront’s dedication to maintaining the ecological health of the region while providing a world-class experience for visitors. Click here to read more. The Ridge, Wins SAPOA Award for Innovation and Sustainability The Ridge, Cape Town’s iconic 6-star Green Star Design commercial building has received a South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Award. The Ridge proudly houses Deloitte and stands as a shining example of sustainable architectural brilliance. Recognized for its integrated engineering solutions, it has achieved an impressive 9 out of 10 available innovation points by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). The Ridge showcases cutting-edge sustainable technology and boasts a world-class interior. It has also made history as the first building to incorporate Eco bricks into its innovative structure, setting new standards in eco-conscious construction. V&A Waterfront Welcomes INEOS Automotive to the neighbourhood INEOS Automotive’s South African headquarters has officially opened at the V&A Waterfront’s newly renovated Helistop, situated at the Pierhead District, after the Table Bay Hotel. The new space features a flagship SMG dealership and a scenic seafront 4×4 track for customers to test-drive the Grenadier. As for the Grenadier itself, it combines rugged British design with German engineering, offering uncompromising 4×4 capabilities, durability, and reliability. Click here to read more. Other events to look forward to this week: Event: The Hall Music School Date: Friday, 27 October Time: 16h15 – 17h00 Location: Amphitheatre Stage Experience the musical magic as London’s independent boys’ school, The Hall School, brings 50 young maestros to South Africa for an unforgettable musical expedition. Event: UEFA Europa League Trophy Showcase Date: Friday, 27 October Time: 16h15 – 17h00 Location: Victoria Wharf – Lamp Side Court Get up close and personal with the UEFA Europa League Trophy, meet the legends and witness the glory! Event: Specialty Coffee Expo Date: Friday, 27 October – Sunday, 29 October Time: Friday, 10h00 – 20h00 Saturday, 10h00 – 20h00 Sunday, 10h00 – 18h00 Location: Makers Landing Get your taste buds ready for an extraordinary journey at the Specialty Coffee Expo, South Africa’s largest coffee event, where you’ll savour the finest coffee from around the world. Event: Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival 2023 Date: Saturday, 28 October Time: 10h00 – 16h00 Location: Amphitheatre Stage Dance into a world of enchantment at the Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival, where you’ll see stunning performances by dancers from around the Western Cape and afar. Event: Diwali – Festival of lights Date: Sunday, 29 October Time: 12h00 – 16h00 Location: Amphitheatre Stage Experience the vibrant celebration of Diwali – The Hindu Festival of Lights, a unifying showcase of cultural heritage, tradition, and sounds in the Western Cape, which will feature Cape Town’s local dance schools performing a variety of dance styles.