South African Crews Won Inflatable Powerboat Series
International teams competed across multiple disciplines in a five-day series along the Cape coast.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Surfing
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South African powerboat crews have secured victory in the International Inflatable Super Series. The event, held along the Cape coast, featured intense racing across five days of competition.
Why it matters
The series serves as a major international platform for inflatable powerboat racing, testing both technical skill and endurance in changing marine conditions. This year marked an expansion of the competition with the debut of a dedicated novice class for developing racers.
A total of 43 teams from South Africa, Namibia, and the USA competed in the series. The challenge included a 120km endurance race alongside surf and circuit racing over the five-day period.
The players
Powerboat Racing SA
This organization serves as the primary governing and hosting body for inflatable powerboat racing events in South Africa.
Ruben Scholtz
He is a winning competitor who secured first place in the Modified class alongside his teammate.
JD van Niekerk
He is a powerboat racing athlete who partnered to win the Modified class during the international series.
The details
Teams navigated difficult wind and wave conditions throughout the competition, which was hosted by Powerboat Racing SA. While the endurance race proved taxing, leading to several withdrawals due to crew injuries, the event successfully spanned locations from Strand to the Gordons Bay Yacht Club.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: The five-day race series concluded.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of a novice category reflects a strategic shift by Powerboat Racing SA to broaden the sport's entry-level pipeline. This expansion positions the series as a growing hub for international development in high-speed inflatable boat racing.
The Modified class victory for Scholtz and van Niekerk highlights the tactical advantage of navigating the Cape coast's variable surf. Despite the high injury rate and mid-race withdrawals, the event demonstrated the critical importance of crew resilience in endurance-distance segments.
The takeaway
The series demonstrated that technical navigation is as vital as speed in competitive inflatable boat racing. Aspiring racers should prioritize endurance training and wave-reading skills to prepare for similar multi-day international events.
Further reading
For more on international water-based competitive trends, visit the Surfing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald.
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