With swells higher than three meters, Secunda Round Table 231’s Phillip Marais and Wikus Claassens flipped out of their inflatable boat on the second day of the four-day Six Gun Grill Trans Agulhas Challenge and were knocked out from the competition.
The Trans Agulhas Challenge, which took off in Plettenberg Bay on December 28, saw 32 teams battling it out in their inflatable boats in their respective classes – the stock, pro-stock, and modified.
Catching up with the Ridge Times on their first experience in such a challenge, the duo said they had arrived a week before the race for preparations, worked on their inflatable boat and ensured that all was ready for the scrutinising that happens before the event.
“Things were in disarray. A day before the race, we only got the motor up and going and ready for action. We were cutting it fine,” said Phillip.
ALSO READ: Cops warn kids against taking nude photos
He said that on December 26, an evaluation of the inflatable boat was done to see if competitors qualify according to event standards in their respective classes.
The open ceremony happened on December 27, where they mentioned all teams, sponsors, and causes.
Day one of the four-day challenge finally arrived for the duo and all teams took off on the first day from Plettenberg Bay towards Mossel Bay.
The change in rough seas and weather saw competitors making two trips to Nature Valley and back towards Plettenberg Bay. They then had to drive the inflatable boats to the next stop, Mossel Bay.
“The weather took a turn for the worst and the route had changed,” said Phillip.
The duo ended 27th on day one. He said the physical strains they endured were tough because of the rough seas.
Wikus, who already had previous injuries to a broken wrist, encountered further damage. This is besides the physical impact it had on both of their necks and backs.
On the second day, December 29, the next challenge was from Mossel Bay to Still Bay. Four kilometres into the 87km route into this event, all went wrong for the duo when their inflatable boat flipped causing damage beyond repair.
“We flipped the boat at Mossel Bay Point and then went for a swim. The swells took us to the nearest shore, where we ended up next to our boat,” said Wikus.
Thankfully, the NSRI rescued them. The duo competed for a good cause, which was to raise funds for Secunda Round Table 231.
The news coverage was also good exposure for the Round Table. The big question is whether the duo would ever attempt such an event.
“Yes. I will attempt it with Raymond Bosch and Zack Zotter as team manager. I have to complete it the next time around. We would like to thank the Round Table, Grip and Rip, Intertek Moody Industry Services, and anonymous sponsors for their support and sponsorship of this event,” said Phillip.
The Round Table is a group of men ages 18 to 40 years who are involved in numerous community projects. Being a part of the Round Table is about fellowship, friendship and fun.
For more on the Secunda Round Table 231 and how to become a member, contact Alec Senekal (chairperson) on 079 799 2656 or Jaco Swart on 082 856 9336, or follow their Facebook page at Secunda Round Table 231.
ALSO READ: Wet Nose’s Lex finds his forever home in Pretoria
