South African crews produced a stunning display of speed, skill and determination as 43 inflatable powerboat teams from South Africa, Namibia and the USA went head-to-head in a spectacular five-day battle along the Cape coast.
Hosted by Powerboat Racing South Africa (PBRSA), the International Inflatable Super Series pushed competitors through three demanding disciplines, namely surf racing, a 120-kilometre long-haul endurance race and circuit racing, with changing conditions ensuring that there was never a moment for crews to relax.

The opening two days at Strand delivered two very different challenges. Day one greeted competitors with small waves and barely a breath of wind, providing relatively calm conditions for the opening battles. But Cape Town had other plans for day two.
The on-shore wind arrived in true Cape style, transforming the surf course into a much more formidable challenge. Boats attacked the waves at speed and crews were thrown around inside their craft and every mistake threatened to cost valuable seconds. The conditions tested not only the machinery, but the teamwork, fitness and concentration of every competitor.

From the Strand, the action moved to Gordons Bay Yacht Club, where the racing intensified once again. The first day of circuit racing provided perfect conditions, with flat seas and virtually no wind allowing the teams to concentrate purely on speed, precision and finding the fastest possible racing line.

The following day brought another dramatic change. The south-easter swept in as the competitors faced the gruelling 120-kilometre endurance race. With crews and boats pushed over a long-distance course, endurance and reliability became just as important as outright speed.
The punishing conditions came at a cost, with a couple of boats forced to withdraw after crew members suffered back and rib injuries. It was a stark reminder of just how physically demanding inflatable powerboat racing can be.
Adding even more excitement to the international competition, a novice class was introduced for the first time at an international event. The new class gave developing competitors the opportunity to experience the intensity of international-level racing alongside the established Stock, Pro-Stock and Modified categories.
When the final results were calculated, South African crews had plenty to celebrate, with strong performances across all four classes.

The Modified class delivered the overall headline result, with Ruben Scholtz and JD van Niekerk powering their way to victory after a week of demanding racing. Their performance was a fitting highlight to an event that showcased the speed, bravery and technical skill required to compete at the highest level of inflatable powerboat racing.

OVERALL RESULTS

Novice class
1st Xandru Buter / Liam Basson
2nd Pieter du Toit / Camilla Engelbrecht
3rd Johann Kotze / Divan Grobelaar

Standard class
1st Franco Cilliers / Roelof du Plessis
2nd Jonathan Badenhorst / Franco Munnik
3rd Dylan Bamberger / Carien Engelbrecht

Pro-Stock class
1st Dreyer van Niekerk / AJ Bosch
2nd Wehan Malan / Harry Erasmus
3rd Le Roux Neethling / William Benzin

Modified class
1st Ruben Scholtz / JD van Niekerk
2nd Robert Louw / Luhann Flores
3rd Quinton Liebenberg / Keren Robyn Till