Max Roux, 29, Albert Roux, 18, and Jarrod Willson, 24, can definitely tick off a big one from their bucket list – they completed a Cape to Rio yacht race, which lasts for 30 days.
The three former Florida Lake Sea Scouts, who are still involved in the organisation, left from Cape Town in the JML Rotary Scout yacht on 26 December 2016, competing in the cruiser class division. They entered the Port of Rio on 22 January, coming in fourth – and four days before the cut-off time. It is the first time the JML Roatary Scout managed to finish before the cut-off time.
But it is not as romantic as it sounds. When asked if there were any hairy moments, Jarrod and Max quickly agreed in unison. They faced intense storms and the yacht broached (capsized) once. “Albert ended up in Jarrod’s bed,” Max joked about the incident. According to the three young sailors, they faced many challenges. Sailing was physically taxing with two of the eight crew members on deck every six hours, leaving them six hours for sleep, eating and down time before the next two-man team is on deck again. Although the three of them got along, Jarrod said that crew members did start getting on each other’s nerves due to the small size of the yacht (39 feet/ 11,8m), and the boredom. “Your life starts revolving around the most basic things; sleeping, hygiene and most of all your meals. To have one chocolate bar was the biggest deal,” said Jarrod.
And what are the trio’s future plans regarding the sport? After completing the 3 700 nautical miles (about 7 000km) race, all three definitely want to continue sailing. Jarrod said he is aiming for the 2020 Cape to Rio, while Max hopes to skipper in the same race.
The three sailors were honoured for their achievement by the Florida Lake Sea Scouts and community last Thursday.
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