ERBC hosts successful junior powerboat event at CR Swart Dam

A full development day dedicated to new pilots will be set and relayed to the public in due course.

October 27, 2022

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Seven-time South Africa champion Boet Ackerman and Kiara Ackerman.

The East Rand Powerboat Club (ERBC)’s Tristan and Nathan Ackermann claimed a podium finish in the junior boat category at the Junior Powerboat Race CMH Tri-cup series at CR Swart Dam in Rynfield on October 22.

Racing in the juniors 7-12 age class, Tristan finished in second place after winner Levi Shepperd, while Nathan finished in third place.

Tristan also received the pilot of the day trophy for the best development.

Kiara Ackerman obtained a third place finish in the GT15 category.

In the GT15 class, ERBC’s Kiara Ackermann also finished on the podium, claiming a third-place finish in an race won by EJ Bierman.

The event involved children from the ages of seven to 18. They participated in the 7 to 12 junior boats, GT15 for 12 to16-year-old and F30 class for children aged 16 to 18.

It was an action-packed day with close racing in the different classes with high-speed action and manoeuvres. All the events included three adrenaline-filled heats.

Tristan Ackerman came second in the juniors class.

“What a spectacular day of racing, only with the finest in the sport. Some legends in the world of racing sport in their respective leagues present included veteran South Africa champions Freddie van Niekerk and Boet Ackermann and veteran world champion Tracy Lathwood,” said Riaan van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk announced that they are on a drive to recruit more children into the sport.

“During lunch, our spectators had the opportunity to allow their kids to join our pilots on the Mouse Boat a twin-seater boat developed to teach new pilots how to handle and manoeuvre a boat.

Enjoying the fun are Riaan van Niekerk, Mia van Niekerk, Freddie van Niekerk (veteran SA champion) and Ziane van Niekerk.

“The development class is set to bring more pilots to the racing and is a sponsored initiative from eTrack Racing and CMH Group,” he said.

He added that a full development day dedicated to new pilots will be set and relayed to the public in due course.
Van Niekerk thanked the organisers for hosting a successful event.

“Thanks for giving life to this sport and for your vision to work with our youth and your development programs to grow this sport.

“Congratulations to all the junior pilots, Gt-15, F30 and the rest of the riders on the jet skis and stand-ups. All the best with the rest of the Tri-Cup Series.”