VAPS HCV Inflatable Boat Racing Team

Entries have closed for this weekend’s National Inflatable Powerboat Racing taking place at Hartbeespoort Dam. 50 boats will ensure that this is yet another epic event!

🏆 ON THE ROAD TO NATIONALS! 🏆🚤

The journey has officially begun! Team M19 & 527 are on route to Hartbeespoort Dam and ready to take on the National Championships this weekend! 🇿🇦🔥

Months of preparation, dedication, testing, and teamwork have led us to this moment. The boats are loaded, the team is focused, and the excitement is building as we head to one of the biggest events on the racing calendar.

A massive thank you to all our sponsors, supporters, family, and friends who have played a part in making this journey possible. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our team allow us to compete at the highest level, and we are incredibly grateful.

🚤 M19 – Robbie Louw & Brandon Langeveld
🚤 527 – Johan Smith & Nicolene Smith

This weekend we race with pride, passion, and determination, representing not only ourselves but everyone who has supported us along the way.

Now it's time to put in the work, chase the podium, and make every lap count! 💪🏁

Nationals 2026 – Here We Come! 🔥🏆

🚤💨🏁

🏁VAPS HCV INFLATABLE BOAT RACING TEAM HEADING TO HARTBEESPOORT NATIONALS! 🏁

The VAPS HCV Inflatable Boat Racing Team is geared up and ready to hit the water at the Hartbeespoort Nationals Race Week on 13–14 June 2026!

Join us for a weekend of high-speed action, adrenaline-packed racing, and fierce competition as some of South Africa’s best inflatable boat racers battle it out on the waters of Hartbeespoort Dam.

🚤 Where: Hartbeespoort Dam
📅 When: 13–14 June 2026
🏁 Saturday – Circuit Racing (from 08:30)
🏁 Sunday – Long Haul Racing (from 08:30)

Come support the VAPS HCV crews as we take on the country's top racers and fly the VAPS colours with pride. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, boating fanatic, or simply looking for a great family day out, this is an event you don't want to miss!

See you at the water's edge! 🌊🚤

🏁🚤💨

Performance starts with preparation ⚙️

Boat checks, engine maintenance, and safety equipment inspections are all part of responsible racing.

Preparation helps crews stay focused on the water.

A throwback to one of the toughest and most exciting races on the calendar 🌊🔥

Trans Agulhas 2025 brought speed, endurance, and unforgettable memories both on and off the water. From powerful surf launches to long days at sea, this is the spirit of inflatable boat racing. 🏁

Already counting down to the next one.

Reading the ocean 🌊

Surf racing drivers constantly read the water.

Wave patterns, wind direction, and tides influence every decision.

Experience on the water helps crews stay ahead of changing conditions.

What makes a competitive racing boat? 👀

Competitive surf racing boats require a balance of:
• Lightweight construction
• Structural strength
• Reliable engines
• Responsive handling

Every element contributes to performance.

Designed for tough waters 🌊

South African waters demand strong, reliable marine equipment.

VAPS inflatable boats are engineered to handle surf launches, long haul races, and unpredictable conditions.

Durability is built into every design.

Throwing it back to the wild conditions, unforgettable launches, and pure adrenaline of Trans Agulhas 2025 🌊🏁

From sunrise to rough ocean runs, every stage pushed crews, machines, and teamwork to the limit.

Moments like these are what inflatable boat racing is all about. 🔥

Why inflatable boats dominate surf racing 🚤

Inflatable racing boats offer advantages in rough surf conditions:

• Increased buoyancy
• Greater stability
• Improved safety in waves

These features make them ideal for demanding marine environments.