Springs Sea Cadets rule at the 2019 Gig Adventure
This was a fantastic achievement, for the team had only one cadet on board that had completed the Gig Adventure before and three of the cadets on this team were new entries who have been part of the Sea Cadet Corp for less than three months and one was female.
At the beginning of August, the Springs Sea Cadets took part in the 2019 Gig Adventure.
This is a seven-man rowing boat race on the Vaal Dam that includes cadets from all over Gauteng.
The Gig Adventure is equal to or even more gruelling than the Comrades Marathon.
Unlike in the Comrades, however, there are no tables filled with energy drinks, water, massages and people to cheer them on.
The cadets only have their boat, a rat pack and each other to keep them going through the race and were totally reliant on their navigational and survival skills.
“To get an idea of what they experience, drive to a farm area that you have never been to before, at midnight, switch off your headlights and then try and navigate your way home without getting lost or hitting anything,” says Ensign Michael Taylor.
At midnight, the race began and the cadets were handed a clue they had to decipher in order find out what their destination was and to work out the coordinates.
Then they were off on their own for the night and the next 40 hours.
Team Spirit of Immortelle, which included Jonathan Sargent (coxswain), Mohammed Aqueel Sheik, Mohammed Razeen Sheik, Tshepiso Skhosana, Kgauhelo Maisela, Sbusiso Mahlangu and Thato Morukhu took part in the 45km junior race and won with a new record time of 15 hours and 57 minutes.
This was a fantastic achievement, for the team had only one cadet on board that had completed the Gig Adventure before and three of the cadets on this team were new entries who have been part of the Sea Cadet Corp for less than three months and one was female.
The senior team, Team Excalibur, took part in the 93km race and finished second overall in a time of 30 hours and 14 minutes.
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Team members Peter Taylor (coxswain), Geoffrey Muller, Johnny Taylor, Tian Mulder, Julian Hoole, David Doller and Jonathan Taylor Smith had all completed the race the previous year, so they were considered experienced even though the youngest was only 11 years old and the oldest 18.
Team Excalibur was the only senior team that did not accept to be towed in by the rescue crew.
All the other senior teams were towed in from between three to five kilometres due to the wind and current that were pushing them backwards.
The senior team fought through the bad conditions and came in under their own steam.
Taylor says: “I felt so proud when I heard they had refused the tow and made it in on their own.
“I cannot express in words how proud I am of each and every one of the cadets who took part in the Gig Adventure.
“They are awesome and are true heroes,” says Taylor.
