Locals triumphant in Trans Agulhas

Writer: Taylum Meyer.

Over 40 teams took part in the 32nd annual Trans Agulhas Inflatable boat race which was held from 28 December to 1 January. Known as the toughest boat race in the world, this competition covers approximately 700 km by boat, from Plettenberg Bay to Gordon’s Bay over five days, and is a test of both skill and physical endurance.

JD van Niekerk from Caledon jumps out of the boat to run to the finish line during the surf race in Stilbaai as his dad, Dreyer brings the boat ashore.

Marc Gleed and Wiltas Leeuwner with their inflatable powerboat and protective gear.

Three locals from the Overberg, JD and Dreyer van Niekerk, and Wiltas Leeuwner participated and – not for the first time – did extremely well in the event.

For Wiltas, a past pupil from Hermanus High School who now lives in Langebaan, this was his sixth Trans Agulhas race. He and his pilot, Marc Gleed from Somerset West, competed in the Modified Class as team Rusgenot Transport M1 and completed the 700 km in a total of 11 hours and 31 seconds, earning them the top spot in their class.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 28)