| Gemini Zapcat wins in South Africa |
Regarded as one of the most arduous of ocean races and the ultimate long-haul challenge, the Rat Race Media Trans Agulhas Inflatable Boat Challenge is no feat for the fainthearted. Now in its 20th consecutive year, this race attracts flocks of diehards ready to pick up the Cape Coast gauntlet that runs over 5 days from the 28th December to 1st January. The race starts at Plettenberg Bay and ends at the Strand, South Africa. Over the five days teams travel nearly 800km including more than 20 beach stops along the way.
One of the teams competing in a Zapcat Gemini are defending champions Dave Barnett & Tjaart Oosthuizen from the Gemini Factory Team, they again take first place in this years race. Competitors have all their times for five longhauls, five surf races and one night haul added up to ascertain the eventual winner.
For the fifth consecutive year, Dave and Tjaart from the Gemini Factory Team were the winners of the Rat Race Media Trans Agulhas, regarded as the world’s Toughest Inflatable Boat Race. Here is what they think of powerboat racing and the Gemini Zapcat.
How did you guys meet?
We met in 1999, through rubber duck racing. We were both racing rubber ducks in different teams, and upon meeting at a race we just ‘clicked’!
How did you guys get into the sport of racing inflatables?
“I’m from Australia,” says David, “where this design of boat was introduced in about 1996. I worked as an importer of Gemini Inflatables, and from my first ride on one, I was hooked on Inflatable Boating.”
In 1997 I was watching a television program documenting inflatable boat racing and I felt a passion to get involved in the sport,” says Tjaart. “I decided there and then that this was what I wanted to do”.
Tell us a bit about what it’s like racing these boats?
It’s hard to explain – there’s nothing quite like it! The Gemini Zapcat weighs approximately 100kg and has a 50 hp motor. It doesn’t sound like much, but the power to weight ratio is phenomenal. The Gemini tunnel hull design basically means you are riding on a cushion of air and a very small welled surface area, which equates to very little drag. The boats are an amazing design.
Gemini is your main sponsor. Is there a particular reason why you choose to use this craft?
“Gemini was the first make of boat I ever sat in”. says David, “I was given the opportunity to race a Gemini boat in Australia, and because of their support, I have been loyal to them ever since.”
“Gemini boats are reliable and built to perfection – which suits us in all water conditions,” says Tjaart. “We would like to thank everyone at Gemini for all their help and support over the last 10 years.”
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