Swakopmund’s Quinton Liebenberg and co-pilot Keren Robyn Till returned from South Africa with a podium finish after securing third place in the Modified class at the 2026 International Inflatable Super Series.
The pair piloted the Red Lighthouse M4 during the competition, held between Strand and Gordon’s Bay from 25 September to 3 October, where more than 40 boats competed across four classes: Novice, Standard, Pro Stock and Modified.
For several Namibian competitors, the event marked their first taste of international racing, providing valuable experience against established competitors. The series opened with two days of surf circuit racing at Strand Beach, where strong winds and challenging sea conditions tested crews and their equipment.
Racing then moved to Gordon’s Bay for flat-water circuit events, followed by a gruelling 120-kilometre long-haul race. The endurance challenge proved particularly demanding, with rough conditions forcing nine boats to retire before reaching the finish. Despite the challenges, the Namibian contingent gained valuable experience across surf, flat-water and endurance racing disciplines.
In the Novice class, Martin Wiese and co-pilot Michelle van der Merwe, competing in the MW Horse Horse Carriers S100, finished ninth overall with 22 points. Namibia fielded three boats in the Standard class. Swakopmund’s Dewet du Plessis and co-pilot Chris Becker secured seventh place in the White Lighthouse S80.
Walvis Bay’s Emil Dörgeloh and co-pilot Callie Geel finished ninth in the Camo Grey S77, while Windhoek’s Leon Smith and co-pilot Malan Lambrechts placed 10th in the Turquoise and Yellow S70. The highlight for Namibia came in the Modified class, where Liebenberg and Till delivered an impressive performance to claim third place overall with 36 points.
The Red Lighthouse M4 crew won a circuit heat and finished second on a circuit racing day, securing a place on the podium behind two South African teams. M4 was the only international crew to achieve an overall podium finish across all four classes, marking a significant achievement for Namibian inflatable powerboat racing.
Beyond the results, the competition showcased the camaraderie within the Namibian team, with crews supporting one another through preparations, repairs and race logistics throughout the demanding week. The international outing comes as inflatable powerboat racing gains momentum in Namibia. Organised local competition was introduced in 2026, while efforts are under way to establish a national association to oversee and develop the sport. Local races have already been held at Von Bach Dam, with further events planned at Oanob Dam.
The season will conclude at Tiger Reef in Swakopmund on 5 and 6 December. For the Namibian racers, the South African series offered more than just a test of speed. It provided an opportunity to compete against experienced international crews, build relationships and gain knowledge that could help raise the standard of racing back home.
With local competition expanding and a national association in the pipeline, the team’s performance offers encouragement for the future of the sport in Namibia. Anyone interested in competing, becoming involved or learning more about inflatable powerboat racing in Namibia can contact Dewet du Plessis on 081 206 7556, who is assisting with the sport’s local development. Pictures contributed.
By Rudi Bowe
