It was a dream came true for Hermanus resident Dieter Blignaut when he took part in the Trans Agulhas – the world’s toughest inflatable boat challenge that started in Plettenberg Bay in late December.
“It was a dream for me since I was six years old, and I loved every moment of this experience,” he said. “The race was much tougher emotionally than physically. We expected it to be physically more challenging. Not that it wasn’t tough and our bodies took a good beating.”
According to Blignaut it was a privilege to be part of this race with four other team members, who gave great support, encouragement and advice. “I couldn’t have done it without them, and especially my co-pilot Marco Rossouw. Every day we hit the beach expecting to come last, and when our land crew gets to us they tell us we’re in about the middle of the pack, which was so unexpected it was almost a win in itself.”
Nor was race plain sailing; according to Dieter sea conditions varied from flat to swell, to extremely rough and windy. “The water was often difficult to read, making it difficult to maintain a good average speed,” Blignaut explained.
Their hard work and hours of practice paid off, and they are very happy with their results. “We started racing in February 2022, and decided to do the Trans Agulhas in June. We officially started training in August,” said Blignaut.
Even though the race ended in Kleinmond this year he doesn’t really care. “There have been previous Trans Agulhas races where stages have been shortened, cancelled or postponed due to harsh weather conditions. On that day from Hangklip to Strand the wind and sea conditions were so bad making it unridable.”
Blignaut is looking forward to this year’s Trans Agulhas and is very proud of the team’s performance. “Coming fifth in standards in the long hauls and second in standards in king of the waves was the fuel we needed to inspire us to aim for a higher podium position in 2023.”
