Tourvest launches SA’s first fine-dining restaurant boat

Integrated tourism group Tourvest will be launching Cape Town’s first fine-dining restaurant boat in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Known as The Alba, the boat has been modelled on similar successful concepts in tourist cities across the world including the Bateaux London, Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Dubai, The Hornblower and the Melbourne River Cruises.

According to Brian Seaman, CEO of Tourvest Restaurants and Taverns, the boat has been custom-made for Tourvest; designed by Angelo Lavranos from Lavranos Marine Design and built by Tim Jordaan of Helderberg Marine.  It measures 22 metres in length with a six metre beam and will have a capacity of 72 seated guests or 100 for cocktail functions.

“It has been designed to be stable and smooth in the water, with floor to ceiling glass windows, which will ensure a comfortable dining experience with great views regardless of the weather.  Additionally, The Alba will be fully compliant with the safety regulations of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the captain and crew are seasoned veterans, fully qualified to handle a vessel of this size,” Seaman says.

Cruise lengths will range between one and a half and two hours, beginning with four cruises a day.  However, The Alba will also cater for private functions such as corporate outings, weddings or gala events.