Rigid inflatable boat (RIB)

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Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nikon F100, Provia 400, Nikon 17-35 mm

RIBs - South Africans call them "skiboats" - are the workhouses of the sardine run. Skilled skippers launch these boats over shallow sand bars and through heavy surf. On an average day, the boat might cover a distance up or down the coast of over 80 km. On flat water, they can reach speeds in excess of 40 km/hr. Some skippers seem to drive them just as fast in big seas.