Extreme adventurer Zirk Botha has reached his destination on February 28. Botha rowed 7200km from Cape Town across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil and arrived at his official destination at the Rio de Janeiro Yacht Club in Cabo Frio safely and in good spirits.
“This is my arrival in Buzios, Brazil at 03:45 on 27 February (SA time) / 22:45 on 26 February (Brazilian time). This signalled the end of my 4000nm / 7200km transatlantic crossing from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro in 70 days / 10 weeks, since my departure on 19 December 2020,” Botha posted on Facebook.
“I celebrated with a much-appreciated burger and coke, from wonderful locals, and then spent Saturday resting and absorbing my experience, before going on to the official welcome in Cabo Frio, where I received a massive welcome.”
What a day! Arriving in Cabo Frio! Incredible welcome from the Brazilians … more photos to follow!
Photo credit: Gonzalo ArselliPosted by Zirk Botha – Live a Great Adventure on Sunday, 28 February 2021
He added that he was proud to follow in the footsteps of another adventurer who rowed a similar route years before.
“In 1984, Brazilian hero Amyr Klink crossed the South Atlantic in a wooden boat in 100 days from Namibia to Bahia (3700nm). Today I want to salute this legend. My Cape Town to Rio route in 2020-2021 (70 days) was slightly different and longer at 4000nm, and I have a more technologically advanced boat. I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of this living legend!” Botha posted.
Botha braved the oceans on this solo journey to raise awareness for environmental issues like climate change and the impact humans have on nature.
Picture: Facebook/Zirk Botha