RIP Fuad Jacobs - Jacobs brothers built up a world class business despite the odds

Fifty years ago five brothers fulfilled a dream of opening their own boatbuilding business in their back yard, inspired by their father who taught them catch crayfish in the Kommetjie kelp.

The Jacobs brothers from Grassy Park, led by eldest brother Fuad Jacobs, succeeded where many others failed: they built up a world class business despite the odds stacked against them. They triumphed in a business sector where black ownership was previously unheard of – large, ocean-going expedition yachts capable of visiting Antarctica. 

To do so they drew on extraordinary reserves of courage, expertise and creativity that continues to define Jacobs Bros, now a stalwart in the globally competitive local boatbuilding industry.

Today we pay tribute to Fuad who passed away earlier this month. He embodied the gritty determination at the core of South African entrepreneurial spirit, a quality we need to celebrate in the hope of inspiring others to pursue their business dreams. 

There is consolation in the recognition Fuad received in his lifetime, as a boat builder and a stalwart member of the local sailing community. He was a recipient of the South African Boat Builders Export Council Legends Award. 

In half-a-century of boatbuilding the company built dozens of robust aluminium boats that have explored much of the planet, from the Amazon River to Polynesia and Antarctica. 

Unsurprisingly Fuad’s passing prompted several moving tributes, notably from David Abromowitz who is considered the ‘Godfather’ of local boatbuilding: “Fuad was a leading light in the creation of South Africa’s enviable reputation as builders of best quality international yachts. The top class boats that he and his family have built since the late 1970’s can be found in all corners of the world. On top of which he was such a wonderful gentleman.” 

RIP Fuad Jacobs. 

John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry