Cape Town, 19 December 2020: South African extreme adventurer, Zirk Botha, set off from Kommetjie slipway on the Cape Peninsula this morning, on his solo row from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, sponsored by juwi Renewable Energies. Botha had previously departed from Cape Town on 5 December, but had been forced to return to shore after severe weather conditions pushed him back.
“The weather conditions are now more consistent – the wind direction is no longer constantly changing and I have 3-4 days of suitable Southerly and South Easterly wind and sea conditions to get offshore and away from the coast,” says Botha.
“Although I’ve had to wait for two weeks, I do feel anxious but, I feel very positive and excited to relaunch my boat ‘Ratel’ and to get going. So, now it‘s a go – all the way to Rio!”
Botha will attempt the 7000km trans-Atlantic row to Rio de Janeiro unsupported, a journey set to take him approximately 100 days in frequently dangerous conditions.
He is first person to attempt the crossing alone, and expects to row an average of 14 hours a day, covering 20 – 40 nautical miles per day depending on weather.
Botha will follow what is known as a Great Circle Route. “It’s not a direct route from Cape Town to Rio; I first head out in a North West direction to benefit from the prevailing South Easterly wind in Cape Town. After 1000km once I am north of the latitude of Lüderitz Bay in Namibia, and about 300 nautical miles offshore, I turn westerly so I can have the benefit of the wind behind me to take me across the Atlantic. On the Brazilian side of the Atlantic, the wind is North Easterly, so I have to arrive on the Brazilian Coast north of Rio to have the wind behind me to head into Cabo Frio, where the old Rio de Janeiro yacht club is, which is where I will be finishing.”
Sponsored by juwi, 59 year-old Botha is undertaking the extreme challenge in support of the environment and sustainable development. “I want to use the challenge to spotlight the impact of fossil fuels and irresponsible consumerism on the planet which will be the future home of our children and future generations. Renewable energies are essential to a sustainable future,” said Botha.
“For my solo row from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro I will be 100% self-sustaining for over three months. This provides a perfect showcase to support a message that 100% renewable energy is a practical option. In fact, in this case it is the only viable option: I will be totally reliant on solar-charged batteries as the source of electricity for my water maker (desalinator), auto-pilot, safety equipment, radio and satellite communications equipment.”
Richard Doyle, MD of juwi South Africa reiterated the organisation’s support: “We wish Zirk strong tailwinds and a speedy journey. He departs with our full support and best wishes. Zirk embodies the fortitude and determination that is required to address climate change and that we also aspire to in our business.”
With a background in South African navy as a combat officer and extensive experience as an adventure sportsman, including sustaining and recovering from life threatening injuries, 59-year old Botha believes his life experiences have equipped him to do the row. “The boat has been named ‘Ratel’ which is the Afrikaans name for honey badger, an animal known for its courage and tenacity, which I will need to complete this challenge.”
The physical demands on his body will be severe and his energy requirements significant, so eating nutritionally-dense food and staying well-hydrated will be important to maintaining his strength. “I will probably consume 10 litres of water and 8000 calories of food per day – if you consider that a normal person consumes approximately 2500 calories a day, it’s a lot. Even so, I expect to lose over twelve kilograms crossing the Atlantic,” says Botha.
Botha built his boat almost single-handedly, including installing all the equipment such as solar panels, navigational and satellite equipment, and a desalinator. The construction of the ocean rowing boat is based on a revolutionary design by Phil Morrison, an esteemed Naval Architect.
“To prepare for a challenge like this was quite a daunting task – I am fortunate to have the support of sponsors. juwi Renewable Energies is my primary sponsor, and I’ve been assisted with materials and equipment by Novamarine, Aerontech, Saertex, Bulwark, FleetMon and BondiBlu. Plus, Genesis Nutrition and Spar will be supplying me with food,” says Botha.
About Zirk Botha:
Botha served as a Naval Combat Officer in the South African Navy, where he also qualified as a Combat Diver. During his time in the Navy, he completed three Atlantic crossings. He is also a qualified 200T Yacht Captain (Master of Yachts) and has sailed extensively.
Botha is an avid adventure racer, competing in many multi-day non-stop events that comprised trail running, rock climbing, river rafting and mountain biking. His many adventures include trekking the Himalayas, and stand-up paddle boarding through the Okavango Delta, of Botswana.
FOLLOW ZIRK ON HIS ROW:
Facebook: Follow his page Zirk Botha- Live a Great Adventure
Trackamap: Track his progress in real time: Http://trackamap.com/row2rio2020
Hashtags: #Row2Rio2020 #ZirkBotha
Instagram: @zirk_botha
ENDS
Media:
Media are who want to ask Zirk questions or interview him during his row directly, or to receive regular updates on his progress, or obtain images, should please contact:
Sue Parker-Smith 082 551 1101 sue@catalystcommunications.co.za
Chace Brand 072 095 6718 chace@catalystcommunications.co.za
Images & Video:
A selection of images is available in the following Dropbox:
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tw51aoio01ti6jb/AAB8JZlmI9dv8RPAphP8X5D2a?dl=0
Logos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/utl6sjf5n35d5wh/AADjvVT_-Km4Ss3BUxvft3_La?dl=0
We have also attached a selection of available images with this release.
Please contact us if you require us to assist you with specific images.
A selection of videos are available on the juwi RE SA You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggW0_dDYWkf08fEFkG5g7g
Issued on behalf of juwi and Zirk Botha by Catalyst Communications
Zirk Botha 