GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS -  The Trans-Agulhas Challenge from 28 December to 31 December covered 700km, from Plettenberg Bay to Strand.

Described as the world's toughest inflatable boat challenge, it is a fast-paced, action-packed four-day race with more than 40 inflatable boats battling it out in the waves.

The first stage of 188,5km ended at Santos Beach, Mossel Bay on Wednesday 29 December. 

In the overall standings after the gruelling four days, team SAFAM/Robertson Toyota (Eben de Bod and Henco Nel), who consistently finished in the top three throughout the competition, took the first place with a combined race time of 09:15:06. 

In second place was team Cheese Trader (Raynor Becker and Charl Hesse), who had a combined race time of 09:39:41. In third place was team Marshmallow Pop (Dreyer van Niekerk and JD van Niekerk) with a combined race time of 09:44:03.

The first stage of 188,5km ended at Santos Beach.

Participants in the Trans-Agulhas Challenge push their boats into the water at Santos Beach. Photo: Elaine van der Toorn / Jannie du Plessis

Santos Beach was packed with beachgoers who supported the Trans-Agulhas Challenge.