It was a dream came true for Hermanus resident Dieter Blignaut when he took part in the Trans Agulhas \u2013 the world\u2019s toughest inflatable boat challenge that started in Plettenberg Bay in late December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a dream for me since I was six years old, and I loved every moment of this experience,\u201d he said. \u201cThe race was much tougher emotionally than physically. We expected it to be physically more challenging. Not that it wasn\u2019t tough and our bodies took a good beating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. \u201cI couldn\u2019t 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\u2019re in about the middle of the pack, which was so unexpected it was almost a win in itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nor was race plain sailing; according to Dieter sea conditions varied from flat to swell, to extremely rough and windy. \u201cThe water was often difficult to read, making it difficult to maintain a good average speed,\u201d Blignaut explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their hard work and hours of practice paid off, and they are very happy with their results. \u201cWe started racing in February 2022, and decided to do the Trans Agulhas in June. We officially started training in August,\u201d said Blignaut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though the race ended in Kleinmond this year he doesn\u2019t really care. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blignaut is looking forward to this year\u2019s Trans Agulhas and is very proud of the team\u2019s performance. \u201cComing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It was a dream came true for Hermanus resident Dieter Blignaut when he took part in the Trans Agulhas \u2013 the world\u2019s toughest inflatable boat challenge that started in Plettenberg Bay in late 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