Alberton High School’s Gemma and Jordan Allen (17) are carving a great future in the male-dominated powerboating sport.
The vigorous sporty twin sisters reigned supreme in the Formula 30 class in the recent 2023/24 season.
Jordan started powerboat racing in 2017, competing in the GT15 class, and was crowned champion for five consecutive years.
“I started racing in the Formula 30 class in 2021 and have won the championship for three consecutive years. I participate in many sports at school, including the first teams for netball, girls’ cricket and touch rugby. I also play provincial indoor netball and thrive in my academics,” she explained.
It was when one of her grandfather’s friends asked her to test one of the boats that she got hooked on the sport and since then she never looked back.
“My most memorable moment would be when I won my first national championship in 2018. My biggest thrill when it comes to race day is the adrenaline rush you get seconds before the flags drop for the start of the race. Physically, the biggest challenge is keeping control of the steering wheel while driving on the rough water,” Jordan said.
She said the biggest challenge is being able to read the water and read other drivers to know what they are doing.
“When I first started racing I had no idea how to navigate the boat and I thought it would be a complete disaster if I continued but now I hold the title of national champion. I want to race Formula 1. I will keep practising and keep improving my driving while looking for sponsors and maybe one day be able to race in a F1 boat,” she said.
Jordan is extremely committed to the sport. Together with her sister, they have a strong will to win and they continuously remain composed no matter the outcome.
Unstoppable on the water
Gemma started racing in the F30 class in 2023, where she achieved second place overall.
What sparked her interest in powerboat racing was when she tested Jordan’s boat and was immediately hooked.
“My best achievement was to place second in my very first season. The fraternity comes with the thrill and physical demands of racing at high speeds on water. The most challenging part of navigating your powerboat is to read weather and water conditions,” Gemma said.
The young athlete’s long-term goal is to win the championship and plans to achieve this by spending more time on the water.
Peter Allen, their granddad, who has raced boats since he was in his teens, commended the youngsters for taking the sport to new heights.
“I see more young females getting involved in motorsport and powerboat racing. To adapt, young females need to be trained physically and be trained more on the mental strength side. I’m very pleased with their performance and will support them on their decisions as long as they are dedicated to doing the hard yards and enjoy the sport in the process,” he said.
Their next race will be from August 31 to September 1 at The View on Vaal Resort at Abrahamsrust.
Should you wish to support the duo in the sporting journey, contact Michelle Allen on 083 725 9718. To find out more about Formula One Powerboat racing, contact Stuart Hopwood on 083 455 5768.
