Yacoob Yachts – Your Ultimate Sailing Experience, Since 1995
Nonkululeko Charters, meaning Freedom Charters, established in 1995 a year after South Africa’s first democratic election. Now trading as Yacoob Yachts, it is one of the first and only black owned charter businesses trading in the heart of South Africa’s top tourist destination, the V&A Waterfront. We provide the ultimate sailing and cruising experience.
A cruise on one of our vessels, taking in Cape Town’s breath-taking coastline, is a must do activity! We pride ourselves on offering vessels that meet international standards, serviced by highly qualified and friendly crew.
Our two sleek and sedate catamarans, the Tigresse and Ameera, are ideally suited to romantic sunset cruises accompanied by local sparkling wines taking in views of our beautiful coastline.
The Jolly Roger, the only pirate boat in South Africa offers the young at heart an authentic adventure filled experience and is particularly popular as a party boat for themed year-end functions, bachelor and bachelorettes and for families with young children. We have 20 years’ experience and our boats are maintained to meet exacting standards set by the South African Maritime Authority. On board facilities include a cash bar, restrooms, blankets for chillier evenings and pull-down covers in the event of inclement weather.
We operate throughout the year offering daily scheduled cruises of up to 90 minutes, including the popular sunset cruise which is accompanied by complimentary local sparkling wine on our catamarans and rum punch on the Jolly Roger. We offer customised rates for group bookings with special rates for low season trading periods and film shoots. For those who want to make use of our vessels exclusively we are able to tailor make packages that include catering and a full bar and the proximity of more than 70 restaurants in the Waterfront means that dinner cruise packages are very popular.
A cruise on one of our vessels, taking in Cape Town’s breath-taking coastline, viewing a myriad of marine life including whales and dolphins in season, the opportunity to take photographs of Cape Town’s icon from a different perspective and a stopover at the world-famous Clifton beach makes this an essential addition to any itinerary when visiting Cape Town.
Our Founder
Esa Yacoob
Yacoob Yachts sets the benchmark for aspiring and emerging tourism entrepreneurs in South Africa. Based on a business model that is fresh and unique, it grew from humble beginnings starting with a small harbour cruise boat called Sea Shuttle 1 in 1994 – the year of freedom and democracy in South Africa – and over the course of 18 years, flourished to proudly boast an owned fleet of 6 sailing and motorised vessels.
Owned outright by Esa Yacoob, the company employs over 40 people from skippers, deckhands, service providers, marketing, and admin staff. Just like his vessels, many of the staff has been given a second lease to life. Yacoob identifies the individual potential, harnessing it and allowing the staff to flourish under his guidance and mentorship. A previous housekeeper is now an under 200-ton skipper for Robben Island Ferries and an ex-gardener is a sailing catamaran skipper in the Waterfront.
Yacoob, a qualified teacher and former mini-bus taxi operator, discovered his love of the ocean as a founding member of the Robben Island Ferries in 1997. In 2001, he relinquished his partnership in the company and established Yacoob Yachts, expanding the existing operation. He also went on to become a strategic partner of TOURVEST, the largest tourism investment company in South Africa. As part of TOURVEST’s strategic planning during 2001 – 2005, Yacoob became a candidate of the Transformation Process Project for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME). During that time, he successfully established numerous “Out of Africa” Curio shops at all the major airports, Robben Island and V&A Waterfront.
Once confident to broaden his scope, Yacoob sold his shares in most of the curio shops and embarked on his ultimate dream – to own a fleet of vessels. In 2005, he purchased the Tigresse, a 65ft sailing catamaran, lying derelict in Hout Bay harbour at the time. Yacoob immediately saw her true potential, lines and beauty and over a painstaking 2 years, she was officially and majestically launched in 2007. Able to comfortably take on 60 passengers, she is the sleek and sedate Queen of the fleet.
Yacoob Yachts sets the benchmark for aspiring and emerging tourism entrepreneurs in South Africa. Based on a business model that is fresh and unique, it grew from humble beginnings starting with a small harbour cruise boat called Sea Shuttle 1 in 1994 – the year of freedom and democracy in South Africa – and over the course of 18 years, flourished to proudly boast an owned fleet of 6 sailing and motorised vessels.
Owned outright by Esa Yacoob, the company employs over 40 people from skippers, deckhands, service providers, marketing, and admin staff. Just like his vessels, many of the staff has been given a second lease to life. Yacoob identifies the individual potential, harnessing it and allowing the staff to flourish under his guidance and mentorship. A previous housekeeper is now an under 200-ton skipper for Robben Island Ferries and an ex-gardener is a sailing catamaran skipper in the Waterfront.
Yacoob, a qualified teacher and former mini-bus taxi operator, discovered his love of the ocean as a founding member of the Robben Island Ferries in 1997. In 2001, he relinquished his partnership in the company and established Yacoob Yachts, expanding the existing operation. He also went on to become a strategic partner of TOURVEST, the largest tourism investment company in South Africa. As part of TOURVEST’s strategic planning during 2001 – 2005, Yacoob became a candidate of the Transformation Process Project for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME). During that time, he successfully established numerous “Out of Africa” Curio shops at all the major airports, Robben Island and V&A Waterfront.
Over a process of 7 years, the fleet grew. Sea Shuttle 1 was the first of the fleet and later renamed Tommy the Tugboat. It is permanently of service outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, giving educational and entertaining harbour tours for young and old. Ameera, a 40ft catamaran 37 passengers, the “Green Ambassador” of the fleet and the all-time favorite party boat was later designed and built. The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat has a 75-passenger capacity and joined the fleet in 2008. In November 2012, Africa’s first Cigarette Boat, Riptide was launched. Designed and built from scratch by Yacoob, Riptide is the company’s stealth bomber for those who are in the need for speed. Powering up to 70 km/h (33 knots), she will certainly get the endorphins flowing as she flies like a Harley-Davidson across the Atlantic Ocean.
The fleet is built to conform to International Safety Standards and is operational 365 days of the year. The company has had an excellent track record in the tourism industry as well as with SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) for the last 18 years. The vessels have been used in many international Bollywood, Hollywood films, and European ad campaigns. Individual vessels can be used for private charters, photographic, and film locations. Offering a unique blend of boats to suit all tastes and need, authentic and unforgettable experiences are on offer off Cape Town’s unique and breath-taking coastline.
Once confident to broaden his scope, Yacoob sold his shares in most of the curio shops and embarked on his ultimate dream – to own a fleet of vessels. In 2005, he purchased the Tigresse, a 65ft sailing catamaran, lying derelict in Hout Bay harbour at the time. Yacoob immediately saw her true potential, lines and beauty and over a painstaking 2 years, she was officially and majestically launched in 2007. Able to comfortably take on 60 passengers, she is the sleek and sedate Queen of the fleet.
Over a process of 7 years, the fleet grew. Sea Shuttle 1 was the first of the fleet and later renamed Tommy the Tugboat. It is permanently of service outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, giving educational and entertaining harbour tours for young and old. Ameera, a 40ft catamaran 37 passengers, the “Green Ambassador” of the fleet and the all-time favorite party boat was later designed and built. The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat has a 75-passenger capacity and joined the fleet in 2008. In November 2012, Africa’s first Cigarette Boat, Riptide was launched. Designed and built from scratch by Yacoob, Riptide is the company’s stealth bomber for those who are in the need for speed. Powering up to 70 km/h (33 knots), she will certainly get the endorphins flowing as she flies like a Harley-Davidson across the Atlantic Ocean.
The fleet is built to conform to International Safety Standards and is operational 365 days of the year. The company has had an excellent track record in the tourism industry as well as with SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) for the last 18 years. The vessels have been used in many international Bollywood, Hollywood films, and European ad campaigns. Individual vessels can be used for private charters, photographic, and film locations. Offering a unique blend of boats to suit all tastes and need, authentic and unforgettable experiences are on offer off Cape Town’s unique and breath-taking coastline.
Yacoob Yachts sets the benchmark for aspiring and emerging tourism entrepreneurs in South Africa. Based on a business model that is fresh and unique, it grew from humble beginnings starting with a small harbour cruise boat called Sea Shuttle 1 in 1994 – the year of freedom and democracy in South Africa – and over the course of 18 years, flourished to proudly boast an owned fleet of 6 sailing and motorised vessels.
Owned outright by Esa Yacoob, the company employs over 40 people from skippers, deckhands, service providers, marketing, and admin staff. Just like his vessels, many of the staff has been given a second lease to life. Yacoob identifies the individual potential, harnessing it and allowing the staff to flourish under his guidance and mentorship. A previous housekeeper is now an under 200-ton skipper for Robben Island Ferries and an ex-gardener is a sailing catamaran skipper in the Waterfront.
Yacoob, a qualified teacher and former mini-bus taxi operator, discovered his love of the ocean as a founding member of the Robben Island Ferries in 1997. In 2001, he relinquished his partnership in the company and established Yacoob Yachts, expanding the existing operation. He also went on to become a strategic partner of TOURVEST, the largest tourism investment company in South Africa. As part of TOURVEST’s strategic planning during 2001 – 2005, Yacoob became a candidate of the Transformation Process Project for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME). During that time, he successfully established numerous “Out of Africa” Curio shops at all the major airports, Robben Island and V&A Waterfront.
Our Trusted Team
Our Partners
Andiamo Spritz
We are proud to partner with Andiamo Spritz, a premium aperitivo brand that has supported Ameera Catamaran as an official sponsor for the past three years, and we are delighted to announce that this valued partnership has been renewed.
Launched in 2016, Andiamo Spritz has quickly become a favourite around the world. Its greatest asset is its unmistakable taste: a bright, zesty orange profile that is both complex and refreshingly delicious. With its ready-to-serve simplicity, Andiamo has earned its reputation as the easiest cocktail in the world, just pop the bottle, pour the sparkling wine over ice, garnish with grapefruit, and enjoy. This effortless serve also makes Andiamo the perfect choice for in-home occasions and elevated gatherings alike.
A Partnership Built on Style & Professionalism
Beyond sponsoring premium Andiamo wine for our onboard events, the Andiamo team actively contributes to the visual excellence of our fleet. From upholstery enhancements to brand-forward re-styling, their involvement helps us merge professionalism, comfort, and a cohesive aesthetic that reflects the spirit of both brands.
Our collaboration with Andiamo Spritz enhances not only the guest experience aboard Ameera Catamaran, but also the overall look and feel of our vessels, creating a vibrant, modern atmosphere that guests immediately recognise and remember.
Raising a Glass to the Journey Ahead
We value Andiamo Spritz as a committed, creative, and passionate partner. Together, we look forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable moments on the water with the signature Andiamo sparkle.
