Race starts with record 40 boats, ends with 23

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Six Gun Grill Trans Agulhas Challenge started from Plettenberg Bay’s Hobie Beach on 28 December and finished four days and six stages later at Strand Beach in the Cape on 31 December.

Mossel Bay Tourism staff were on hand to ensure that land-based spectators could benefit from Mossel Bay Tourism's support of this world-class boating event at every town where the Trans Agulhas Challenge racers stopped over.

See a gallery of pictures by clicking on the red text below.

Trans Agulhas action

There were "King of the Waves" events in Mossel Bay, Stilbaai and Struisbaai which added to the excitement for spectators of the Trans Agulhas, with music and live commentary creating a lively atmosphere.

The race commenced with a record number of 40 boats.

By the final day, 37 boats set off from Struisbaai, but only 23 boats crossed the finish line at Strand Beach.

From Plett, the 700km course headed to Mossel Bay (Stage 1 – 188.5km), on to Stilbaai on Day 2 (Stage 2 – 86km), Stilbaai to Struisbaai on Day 3 (Stage 3 – 161km), and finally to the Strand finish line.

On Day 4, the total distance covered was 223km (Stages 4–6), and the day’s three-tiered challenge saw boats racing via Uilkraalsmond and Gansbaai en route to Strand Beach.

Trans Agulhas organiser Stefan Lindeque said: “In 2023, we had to abandon one of the stages on the final day because of extreme weather off Cape Agulhas, but this year we had extra safety boats and were determined to finish on the water.

Weather

“This year we had much better weather. The first three days, we raced in perfect conditions. But on the last day, the sea and wind were rougher, so the guys could really show their mettle. A westerly wind from the front made it more difficult to navigate the three- to four-metre swells, but we chatted to all the racers and safety boat crews and decided to push through.”

Lindeque thanks the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) stations along the way on Day 4, including crews in Hermanus, Kleinmond and Gordon’s Bay, for their excellent service and being on standby in case of an emergency.

Wimpie Ackerman completed his record-breaking 30th challenge.

Along with co-pilot Devon Henning, he flew the Six Gun Grill flag high, braving the waves in the title sponsor’s branded boat.

Champion

Lindeque said: “Apart from the fact that no other racer can compete with Wimpie’s 30- year record of Trans Agulhas participation, he is also the reigning SA champion and took top spot in the Pro Stock class at the World Championships in Gqeberha last February.”

Eben de Bod claimed the Trans Agulhas 2024 crown, with Henco Nel as co-pilot.

This super-fit duo rode roughshod over obstacles that may have taken the wind out of lesser racers.

“Their boat flipped on arrival at Stilbaai and Eben, who has won the title on at least three previous occasions, said it may be a sign that it’s time to hand over the baton. But he’s simply in a class of his own and made up for lost time over the next four stages to finish first overall at Strand Beach,” says Lindeque.