Bikini Beach and the waters around Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club were alive with the roar of engines and the spray of exhilarating speed as the False Bay Offshore Extreme was nothing short of spectacle on Saturday (12 July).
The inflatable boat racing event, organised by SA-IRA and FBIBRC, drew a great turnout of enthusiastic spectators and dedicated teams, signalling a vibrant comeback for powerboat racing.
Despite an early-morning strong south-easterly wind that swept across the bay, the spirits of the competing teams remained undeterred. Many were on the slipway and ready for testing as early as 06:00, eager to tackle the challenging conditions.
The local yacht club, serving as an excellent host, ensured a welcoming atmosphere for crews, supporters and the throng of spectators who packed the clubhouse, lined the harbour wall and found prime viewpoints along Clarence Drive.
The Bikini Beach Offshore Circuit Racing provided dynamic, close-up action, captivating the crowd with daring manoeuvres and high-speed battles.
Local Helderberg teams showcased their talent with mixed results. A standout performance came from the young Stock Class team (S11) of Carien Englebrecht (15) and Dylan Bamberger (19), who displayed remarkable determination to secure an overall victory in their class.
In the premier Modified Class, Marc Gleed and Ohann Janse van Rensberg (M11) had a strong outing, clinching a commendable third position in the circuit racing.
However, the powerful duo of Rico Meyer and Wynand de Wet (M32) faced an unfortunate setback. While having a great run, a barrel roll in the strong south-easterly wind sidelined their efforts, with Wynand sustaining a foot injury.
The formidable brothers Jacques and JP Mouton experienced a true baptism of fire. Having moved directly from the Stock Class to the highly competitive Modified Class, their “never-say-die” attitude shone through, and they are already looking forward to returning stronger at the next event.
“All in all, the False Bay Offshore Extreme proved to be an event for the record books, marking a successful and exciting return for powerboat racing in the region,” Gleed said.
Teams have shifted focus to the second round of the national championships, which will be held in Strand from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September. The event is expected to be larger and draw teams from across the country, promising a spectacular display of inflatable boat racing prowess.
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