Our Holiday Story: The Magic We Create Together

Every December, we find ourselves pausing to watch them. You know the ones ... those beautifully crafted Christmas adverts from Waitrose and M&S that capture the spirit of the festive season in a very special way. They tell stories that transcend their products, stories that make us feel something deeper: connection, nostalgia, the warmth of togetherness, the magic that still exists if we just pause long enough to notice it.

These aren't just adverts. They're modern Christmas traditions that have become global talking points, sparking conversations around dinner tables and water coolers alike. And yes, they have budgets that would make our eyes water. But that didn't stop us from asking ourselves: What if in an albeit tiny way, we could do the same for HopYacht?

Stepping Outside the Product

Here's what Waitrose and M&S understand brilliantly ... the best stories aren't about the thing you're selling. They're about real life, sprinkled with just enough magic to transport us somewhere wonderful. They're edgy enough to feel authentic, yet fantastical enough to make us dream.

So we challenged ourselves. Instead of capturing what a HopYacht is, could we convey the feeling a HopYacht creates? Because after thousands of hours refining every design detail, perfecting every innovative feature, obsessing over every aspect of functionality - we've stayed true to our original concept ... it's all about quality of life.

Special moments

The moments that unfold during that first morning coffee in the cockpit, watching the sunrise paint the water in impossible colours while everyone else is still asleep.

The sound of children's laughter echoing across a quiet anchorage, that pure, unfiltered joy that only comes when screens are forgotten and adventures are lived.

The way your shoulders drop and your breathing slows when you finally, finally escape the relentless hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Creating togetherness. Real, present, undistracted togetherness ... the kind that's become so rare in our hyper-connected world.

Special moments that become the stories you'll tell for years: the dolphin that swam alongside you, the perfect sunset anchorage you stumbled upon, the meal that tasted better because it was prepared and shared in such an extraordinary setting.

It's truly all about quality of life ... the kind that comes from a design thoughtfully conceived that simply works, leaving you free to enjoy the total experience.

Our Holiday Video

So this is our take on capturing these feelings ... the essence of what it means to holiday on a HopYacht. Not a technical specifications rundown or a features list, but a glimpse into the life these 30 feet of carefully crafted design make possible.

Did we have the budget of a multinational retailer? Not even close. But we had something just as valuable: genuine passion for what we've created and an authentic story to tell.

Your Sailing Happy Place

Wherever you are in the world right now ... whether you're already a sailor dreaming of your next adventure, or someone who's just beginning to imagine what life on the water might offer - we hope this takes you to your sailing happy place.

That place where the only sounds are the gentle lap of water against the hull, the clink of halyards in the breeze, and the voices of the people you love most.

That place where time moves differently, where what matters becomes crystal clear, and where the word "together" means something real again.

From all of us at HopYacht, wishing you a holiday season filled with wonder, connection, and the magic we create together.

Fair winds and following seas.

The Insider’s List: 10 Cape Town Gems for the Yachting Couple

Welcome to Cape Town. You've traded the helm for a hotel, and your logbook for a holiday itinerary. We know the feeling: even while you're enjoying the perfect African break, you’re probably still thinking about your next sail, or perhaps plotting an upgrade for the boat back home.

As fellow enthusiasts, we know you appreciate a holiday that focuses on real quality, easy living, and incredible coastal scenery—not tourist traps. This is the HopYacht team's personal, curated list of Cape Town’s 10 best spots for a yachting couple.

Plus a chance to scratch your yachting itch! Make sure you get to number 10 on our list.

1. Local Maritime Recon: Calypso Seal Island Tour

Image: https://circelaunches.co.za/boat-trips-activities/seal-island-boat-tour/

You can’t be in a harbour town and not check out the local marine residents! Jump aboard the Calypso in Hout Bay for a quick, 40-minute run out to Duiker Island. It’s a great way to check the local conditions and see the massive Cape Fur Seal colony up close. The Calypso is the original tour operator and features a unique glass bottom, giving you a fascinating perspective on the kelp forests and the seals below. It's a quick, essential trip on the water.

2. Checking the Coastline: The Quiet Drive to Kommetjie

Image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/long-beach-kommetjie-gm1482556461-509474059?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

Forget the congested, trendy scenes. Head for the scenic, unhurried drive to Kommetjie. The views along this rugged route are spectacular, offering authentic coastal drama—the kind of raw, beautiful shoreline we all love to see from the water. Perfect for a quiet stroll.

3. Lunch Right on the Water: The Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

Image: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=767749172065312&set=a.561274322712799

This is the closest you’ll get to dining on the ocean without having to clear the galley afterward! Situated right on the water with unique tidal pool dining, The Brass Bell offers an unpretentious, high-quality seafood experience in a busy, classic port setting. You’ll feel right at home.

4. Get Back On The Water: Kayaking in Hout Bay

Image: https://www.kayakadventures.capetown/

Grab a double kayak and paddle out into Hout Bay. It’s a fantastic, quiet workout and a chance to get a unique, low-profile view of the surrounding mountains and coastline. A simple, rewarding way to spend a morning.

5. Survey Sea Conditions From Above: Brunch at Suikerbossie

Image: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/south-africa/western-cape/suikerbossie-to-myburgh-waterfall

Enjoy an invigorating, yet gentle, walk through the expansive nature surrounding Suikerbossie in Hout Bay. Follow this with a refined, relaxed brunch at the Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate. The views from this elevated vantage point are breathtaking, offering a magnificent perspective of the bay. Bookings are essential.

6. Learn a New Water Sport: Surfing Lessons in Muizenberg

Image: https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/cape-town-l103/muizenberg-cape-town-private-surf-lesson-t931254

Muizenberg offers perfect, gentle waves that roll in slowly. This is genuinely the best spot in Cape Town to finally take that beginner surfing lesson you always promised yourself. It’s low-pressure, high-fun, and gets you properly into the local Atlantic water culture.

7. Swop Navionics for Google Maps : Wine Tasting in Constantia

Image: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g312660-d7386646-Reviews-14_on_Klein_Constantia-Constantia_Western_Cape.html?m=19905

Forget enduring a long passage to the distant wine regions. This is your high-quality shore run to restock the cellar. The historic Constantia Wine Valley is right on Cape Town’s doorstep—it’s the fastest way to get the good stuff. Opt for a boutique estate like Klein Constantia or Buitenverwachting for a quality, intimate experience. Bookings are essential.

8. Chase the Wind: Kiteboarding in Langebaan

Image: https://kiterr.com/kitespots/africa/kiteboarding-langebaan-south-africa/

If you need a serious wind fix, this is your pilgrimage. Langebaan is about 90 minutes north of Cape Town, but the consistent wind and flat-water lagoon setting make it an unmissable destination for serious wind sports. It’s worth the day trip if you love sailing fast!

9. Portside Pondering: Art Viewing in The Waterfront’s Silo District

Image: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/buy-tickets/?v=8bcc25c96aa5

Avoid the main V&A Waterfront walkways (too many day-trippers!). Head straight for the Silo District. Visit the impressive, curated collections at the Zeitz MOCAA, focusing on contemporary African art. It's a high-quality, quiet venue in a beautifully repurposed grain silo—a quick, discerning visit in the heart of the port.

10. The Essential Stop: View the HopYacht 30

Alright, here’s the essential stop you’ve been waiting for—the place to truly scratch that yachting itch! Here's an opportunity to view and walk-through the HopYacht 30—the pocket catamaran perfect for couples.

Hop aboard and discover a 30' catamaran packed with comfort and lifestyle features usually only found on much larger boats. Her queen size bed and full-height, spacious shower deliver unmatched quality of life on the water.

Paul and Mary-Clare, the founders, will be there to greet you at Royal Cape Yacht Club and give you their insight into why HopYacht really lives up to the promise of easy, comfortable sailing. This prestigious club offers unique maritime ambience and you'll enjoy Table Mountain as a backdrop.

To View, Make Contact Here.

Or email hello@hopyacht.co.za for direct inquiries.

Living Comfortably Afloat: How the HopYacht 30’s Cockpit Awnings Transform Sailing in Any Weather.

By Mary-Clare Tomes, Co-founder, HopYacht

When we first started designing the HopYacht 30, I have to admit we were focused on the big, headline-grabbing features: electric propulsion, the simplified single-sail rig, the walk-around queen-size bed. However, as someone who loves sailing yet values comfort above all else, and having spent years in regions where weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to driving rain within an hour, I became obsessed with something far less glamorous: the cockpit awning system.

I know, I know. Awnings don’t sound exciting. But this is where the HopYacht 30 absolutely shines for those of us who want to quality of life onboard, not just endure the elements.

"The cockpit is your living room."

On the HopYacht 30, the cockpit isn’t just a place to sit while you sail. It’s where the galley is located. It’s where you dine, entertain, relax with a book, and yes, it also incorporates the helm station! This is your main living space afloat. And in changeable weather, an unprotected cockpit would mean you are constantly at the mercy of wind, rain, and temperature swings.

The design team at North Sails understood this completely. So they created a modular awning system, using premium Italian Sunbrella all-weather fabric. This transforms the cockpit into a genuinely liveable space, regardless of what’s happening outside.

"Two layers ... for more versatile living."

Each awning panel features a simple dual-layer design that’s incredibly effective. The outer layer is mesh, allowing air to flow freely through the cockpit. This means on warm days, you get excellent ventilation without sacrificing protection from gusty winds. The inner layer is clear waterproof material that keeps rain out completely.

What I love about this system is its adaptability. On a breezy but dry day, you can drop the mesh layer to cut the wind while still maintaining airflow. When rain threatens, drop the clear layer and instantly you’re in a protected space where you can continue cooking, eating, or simply enjoying your sundowner without getting drenched.

"They're modular so you still have a view."

The awnings are designed as separate sections, which means you’re never forced into an all-or-nothing decision. If the wind is coming from starboard, drop that side’s awning while leaving the port side open to preserve your view and sense of openness. You can configure the protection exactly as conditions demand.

And remarkably even with the awnings fully deployed, you can still see through them. The clear panels maintain excellent visibility, which is crucial not just for enjoying the scenery, but for the practical matter of helming the boat. From the helm station, you retain clear sightlines for docking manoeuvres, even with full weather protection in place.

"For horrible weather sailing ... stay all zipped up!"

For those of us in regions where weather can be genuinely challenging, the full helm enclosure option is transformative. This attaches to the Bimini top on all four sides, creating a completely enclosed helm station, still allowing access from the side deck. The entrance can be rolled up for easier movement when casting off or coming alongside.

There’s a zipped window opening providing access to the winch, meaning in really foul weather, you can sail the boat single-handed from inside the full enclosure. No need to venture into driving rain to adjust the sail.

If a full enclosure feels like overkill for your part of the world, we have a tonneau cover as part of the standard specification. Inspired by vintage open sports cars, this covers just the helm station area, providing targeted protection and is quick and easy to fit.

"Make the boat lighter and brighter ... even on a bad day."

What truly amazed us all is how the full enclosure handles light. All the panels are made from clear see-through material, and when you’re sitting in the protected cockpit, the natural light flooding through is extraordinary. It’s like having a skylight in your house, making the space feel bright and welcoming rather than claustrophobic. Even in miserable weather, the cockpit remains a genuinely pleasant place to be.

'No faffing around ...that's what I like!"

The engineering of the awnings shows real attention to detail. The rolled-up sections are secured with flaps that zip together, creating a neat, tidy appearance rather than the sagging bundle you see on some boats. The attachment system uses a combination of press studs, turnbuckles, elastic loops, and hooks with large nylon zips featuring pull tabs. All easy to deploy and secure, even when you’re doing it single-handed, in challenging conditions.

"Shade, shelter, and don't forget ambience.

The HopYacht 30 is fundamentally about lifestyle afloat. We designed it for people who want to enjoy sailing without the constant physical demands and discomfort that can make traditional yachts feel like an endurance test. Our awning system is a huge part of delivering on this promise. Whether you need shade from intense sun, shelter from wind, protection from rain, or simply want to create a more intimate, comfortable atmosphere in the cockpit, the awnings give you the tools to craft exactly the environment you want. You’re not fighting the weather; you’re managing it on your terms.

The galley integration in the cockpit makes perfect sense when you have this level of weather protection. You can cook alfresco in the true sense, enjoying the views and fresh air, while knowing that if conditions change, you can simply drop the appropriate awnings and carry on without retreating below.

This is sailing reimagined for people who love being on the water but refuse to sacrifice comfort in the process and I love it!