Youngest team in the field, Salt Rock’s Adam brothers, delivered a remarkable rookie performance in the brutal Trans-Agulhas endurance challenge – known as the world’s toughest inflatable boat race.

Johannes and Dirk Adam made an unforgettable debut at the Six Gun Grill Trans-Agulhas event, held from December 28 to 31, finishing fourth in the Standard Class of the four-day, 700km marathon from Plettenberg Bay to Strand Beach.

Now in its 37th year and hosted by Boost Performance Racing, the event drew 48 boats and more than 100 competitors to the notoriously demanding Atlantic coastline.

Skipper Johannes (19) and co-pilot Dirk (16) also claimed second place in the Rookie Class and finished 16th overall – an extraordinary feat considering their limited experience and the race’s punishing conditions.

Johannes, who spent five years of his childhood sailing around the world with parents Joop and Jacolette, described the race as life-changing.

“It was such a fun experience and one of the best adventures of my life. I loved meeting new people and competing against some of the best racers in the country,” he said.
His brother agreed.

“It was tough but an amazing learning experience. We’d definitely like to return next year,” said Dirk.

The race began with a gruelling 188.5km stage from Hobie Beach to Mossel Bay, followed by an 86km push to Stilbaai. Thick mist on day three led to the cancellation of a 161km leg to Struisbaai, replaced by a 28km circuit race. The final day brought a brutal 223km leg to Strand Beach near Cape Town.

Now a second-year mechanical engineering student at North-West University, Johannes credited their success to solid support.

Each morning, his mother and sister Lelei provided meals and shelter at the finish line while Joop managed refuelling duties.

“We could not have done this without all the support from our family and sponsors, Exigent Environmental & Engineering Consultants. All the training and travelling took a lot of planning and dedication,” he said.

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