The World's Toughest Pedal
Launching in...
The Name: Vaquita II
The vaquita is a critically endangered species of porpoise that is found only in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico. It is the smallest cetacean species in the world, with adults typically measuring less than five feet in length and weighing less than 55kg.
The vaquita is under severe threat due to a combination of factors, including bycatch in fishing nets, illegal fishing activities, and habitat destruction. The primary cause of the vaquita’s decline is accidental entanglement in gillnets used in the illegal fishing of the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is highly valued in China for its purported medicinal properties.
According to estimates, there were only around 30 vaquita individuals left in the wild as of 2020. The species is now considered to be the most endangered marine mammal in the world, and conservationists have been working hard to try to save the remaining individuals.
Efforts to protect the vaquita have included the creation of a gillnet-free area in the northern Gulf of California, as well as efforts to increase enforcement of fishing regulations and promote sustainable fishing practices. There have also been attempts to capture and relocate some vaquita individuals to a protected sanctuary, but these efforts have been controversial and have met with limited success.
Overall, the vaquita’s plight highlights the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats, and the need for international cooperation in conservation efforts.
About Vaquita II the boat
Vaquita II is an exceptional pedal boat that was designed by Dudley Dix, a well-known yacht designer & Architect from South Africa now residing in the United States, and built by Tertius Du Plessis, based in Rheenendal, Knysna South Africa.
- Dry Weight of 450kg
- Wet Weight and loaded 1500kg
- Ribbed for stability
- Only 3 known ocean pedal boats in existence.
- Slow rotation propeller with soft blades to reduce the risk to harm to marine life.
- Low drag design – both air and water.
- Self-righting capabilities.
The use of a shallow barn-door type rudder is also a smart design choice, as it will help the boat to be easily steered in downwind trade wind conditions. This can be particularly important when operating in open water or in conditions where wind and waves can be unpredictable.
I know that I’ll encounter bad weather many times on my voyages, so it’s designed to be resistant to breaking waves and to roll back upright when (rather than if) it capsizes. The shape of the boat is optimized for low resistance to breaking waves, and the design ensures that it can roll back upright even when I’m in rough waters. To help maintain stability, the tankage and stowage compartments was placed low down in the hull to lower the center of gravity.
To further ensure that the boat remains stable, the deck and cabin are shaped to float the boat high if inverted with the hatches and ports closed. I can also use my own weight inside the boat to help it roll back to upright if needed. This is important to me because I know that I’ll encounter a variety of conditions on my voyages, and I want to be prepared for anything.
For construction, the chosen method was a stitch-&-glue plywood method, assembled over permanent bulkheads and partial bulkheads. This construction method is both strong and lightweight, which is important for a boat that will be used for human-powered journeys. The interior is divided into three compartments, separated by full bulkheads with companion hatches. Both ends are berth length, which allows for one or two crew members to comfortably travel with me on my voyages. If need be.
The Challenge
The Challenges and Adaptations of a Global Circumnavigation Attempt:
For months, the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the volatile situation in the Gulf of Aden, particularly in Yemen, have been at the forefront of my concerns. The Houthi militia’s persistent attacks on vessels with ties to Israel and allied nations have made maritime navigation increasingly dangerous. As I prepare for my world record attempt to circumnavigate Africa in a human-powered pedal boat, I have been closely monitoring developments in the region, receiving monthly updates from various port authorities in the Red Sea. These reports underscore the complexities and risks of attempting such a passage in a vessel that is relatively unfamiliar to the broader boating community.
Gulf of Aden Security Review:
While much of the world’s attention has been on the Houthi attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, another significant threat has been quietly rising. Since November 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. In this complex geopolitical landscape, it is crucial to distinguish between these two threats. The Houthi militia operates with clear political and ideological motives, while pirates in the region are driven purely by financial gain, targeting vessels for ransom without any political or ideological affiliations.
Navigating these waters in a vessel without an engine or sails and moving at a slow pace makes me an easy target. The unconventional nature of my pedal-powered boat might even raise suspicions of it being an undercover reconnaissance vessel. Initially, there were suggestions to navigate certain areas incognito to avoid detection. However, this approach would also remove me from the radar of security companies, leaving me vulnerable in the event of an emergency. It’s important to stress that both pirates and militia groups are more interested in the ransom value of individuals on board rather than the cargo a vessel carries.
Challenges with Alternative Routes:
To mitigate the risks associated with the Suez Canal, I considered an alternative route that involved navigating 900 kilometres of the Nile River. Unfortunately, this plan was thwarted when port agents in Alexandria informed me that foreign vessels are no longer permitted on the Nile. This unexpected development has further complicated my mission to become the first person to circumnavigate Africa in a pedal boat.
Plan C: A New Global Route:
As the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, it has become clear that I need to pivot to a new plan—Plan C. Instead of focusing solely on Africa, I now aim to set a new world record by completing a full circumnavigation of the globe, leveraging trade winds and ocean currents. This ambitious new route will span an estimated 35,000 kilometers and take approximately five years to complete. The revised plan requires intense logistical preparation and will push my departure back by another six months, with a projected start date in June or July 2025. This timing is also necessary to avoid the Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks from August to October.
World Record Challenges:
The current world records for pedal-powered boats are as follows:
- 24-Hour Distance Record: Greg Kolodziejzyk of Canada set the record by covering 245.16 kilometres (152.33 miles) on Whitefish Lake, Montana, USA, on 8-9 September 2008.
- Pedal Boating Distance Record: Kenichi Horie of Japan set a record by crossing the Pacific Ocean, covering 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles) in 1993.
My goal is to surpass these achievements with a full global circumnavigation. The route I have planned will take me from Cape Town to St. Helena, Ascension Island, and Natal on the east coast of Brazil. From there, I will cross the Atlantic to Barbados, Aruba, and Colon, before passing through the Panama Canal to Panama City. After resupplying, I will embark on an 8,000-kilometer journey across the Pacific Ocean, visiting islands such as the Marquesas, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. Along the way, I also plan to visit my son, Jean, in Auckland, New Zealand.
The journey will then continue across the Coral Sea, Arafura Sea, and Timor Sea—north of Australia—before crossing the Indian Ocean to Madagascar. From there, I will navigate down the Mozambique Channel, through the Natal Strait, and finally back to Cape Town.
A Five-Year Odyssey:
This circumnavigation will not only test my endurance and determination but also stand as a monumental achievement in the world of human-powered exploration. Covering an estimated 35,000 kilometers over five years, this voyage will push the boundaries of what is possible in a pedal-powered vessel.
As I embark on this journey, the challenges are immense, but so are the potential rewards. The opportunity to set a new world record and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting, drives me forward. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but with careful planning and unwavering resolve, I am confident that I can navigate the challenges and complete this extraordinary journey.
The Captain
A born explorer with extensive travel experience across the world and the African continent, I have constantly sought change and challenge, both physically and mentally. From bungee jumping and skydiving to taking sabbaticals in the Kalahari, participating in endurance cycle tours and races, flying micro-light aircraft, and sailing yachts along the African coast, including competing in yacht races, I have embraced a life of adventure.
Driven by an innate sense of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest, I firmly believe that embracing constant change is the key to a fulfilling existence. I approach life as an adventure, constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities to grow and evolve. I firmly believe that we have only one chance to live life, and it should be lived to its fullest potential.
At the age of 16, I joined the Hermanus See & Sand Lifeguarding as a volunteer, and during the following two years, I found immense reward in helping people along the way. As a lifeguard, I had the privilege of saving 14 individuals from the surf, an experience that further solidified my passion for assisting and inspiring others.
In 2004, I obtained both my Private Pilot’s License (PPL) and Yacht License, further fueling my thirst for adventure and exploration. I have derived great joy from leading tour groups to remote and seldom-visited places, sharing the wonders of these hidden gems with fellow adventurers.
Although I had to abandon an extreme expedition eight years ago before its launch, I now have the opportunity to undertake a new challenge at the perfect time. Combining my love for cycling and my desire to push the boundaries, I have decided to embark on this journey in a pedal boat, relying solely on human power.
My motivation for undertaking these adventures goes beyond personal fulfillment. I aspire to use the stories and lessons from my experiences to inspire individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve things they never believed possible. It is my deepest wish to encourage individuals to reflect on their own lives, their dreams, and their unique purpose. I firmly believe that each person has a reason for their existence and a vision that is meant to be pursued.
By sharing my own immense and sometimes daunting path, I hope to inspire others to take those initial steps towards their true calling, avoiding a life spent wandering down paths chosen by others or dictated by chance. If everyone were to live out their true purpose, the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
After a career in the corporate environment that left me feeling unsatisfied and uninspired, I have come to realize that time is our most valuable resource. It is time to step out of my comfort zone and pursue a life of adventure. By giving up societal expectations and my previous career, I am fully committed to embracing the unknown and pursuing a life of pure adventure.
Living at sea is a simple yet challenging way of life that should never be taken for granted. Just as Kingsley Holgate traveled the length of the African continent in a Land Rover, and Riaan Manser and Davey Du Plessis circumnavigated Africa on their bicycles, I now aim to paddle the 28,000 kilometers around the continent of Africa, crossing seven oceans and navigating the pirate-infested waters of West and East Africa. While numerous individuals have rowed across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in rowing boats, fewer people have accomplished the feat of crossing oceans in human-powered vessels than those who have stood atop Mount Everest.
Driven by my deep passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, I have followed the journeys of many ocean rowers and sailors. I have always dreamt of sailing, rowing, or paddling the vastness of the ocean, experiencing its solitude and testing my resilience and ability to adapt to isolation.
I firmly believe that ordinary individuals possess the extraordinary capacity to achieve great things. It is my hope that through my own endeavors, I can inspire others to push their limits, break free from their comfort zones, and embark on their own remarkable journeys of self-discovery and accomplishment. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world by embracing our true purpose and living life to its fullest potential.
Donate to the cause
The Cause
Combating Malnutrition: A Call for Effective Solutions
Introduction
Every six seconds, a child loses their life due to malnutrition-related causes, resulting in a staggering daily toll of five million children and accounting for between one-third and one-half of all childhood deaths globally. Despite the allocation of billions of dollars towards enriched grain-based cereals and relief food, this approach has proven ineffective. The key lies in understanding the difference between merely feeding children and providing them with proper nourishment. Doctors Without Borders has shed light on this challenge, urging the industry to collaborate in search of new solutions.
Worldwide Malnutrition:
The World Food Program reports that across the developing world, 66 million primary school-age children attend classes on an empty stomach, with Africa alone accounting for 23 million of these cases. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, over 100 million children in developing countries suffer from underweight conditions, while more than 150 million are malnourished. Disturbingly, poor nutrition is responsible for nearly half (45%) of deaths among children under the age of five, equating to a tragic annual loss of 3.1 million young lives (The Lancet, 2013).
Proposed Solution:
Recognizing the critical role of good nutrition in children’s health, particularly for those under the age of five, it is imperative to address this issue at its core. An effective solution emerges in the form of PhytoBlend powder, designed to enhance the nutritional value of children’s food. The powdered nature of PhytoBlend makes it convenient for caregivers to incorporate into everyday meals, facilitating its integration into children’s diets.
Collaboration for Change:
To support the procurement of PhytoBlend powders from Mannatech, all proceeds from this initiative will be dedicated to this cause. By fostering collaboration among healthcare organizations, NGOs, governments, and philanthropists, we can drive meaningful change and establish sustainable access to this vital nutritional supplement. Through collective efforts, we can ensure that children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to lead healthier lives, unburdened by the devastating impact of malnutrition.
Vaquita
With all the oceans being under immense stress due to plastic pollution and over-fishing, the threat to the very existence of the creatures that inhabit them has reached alarming levels.
Every species that becomes extinct affects the entire ecosystem and the food chain. This creates a direct threat to the existence of life on earth. The Vaquita porpoise is now on the brink of extinction with a mere 300 left in their natural habitat.
I am hoping that my expedition and the build up to it will focus the world on the plight of the Vaquita and for that matter, all ocean inhabitants that are under siege by humankind. The use and disposal of plastic and the practice of illegal fishing methods need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
It takes deliberate effort. Let’s do it, because we can.
Vusi Marenene Biography
To adequately pre-pare for this challenging expedition, over the course of the next 18 months, my partner Vusi and I have planned to undertake a rigorous cycling regimen covering 20,000 kilometers on the road. Our chosen mode of transportation will be bicycles, with me utilizing a mountain bike and Vusi employing a handcycle, showcasing his indomitable spirit despite his physical limitations.
Brand Ambassador
We are actively seeking brand partners who can offer mutual support by providing me with kit, food, products, or services for this project. While we welcome all types of equipment or products, it is important that they align with the ethics of the expedition and complement the other sponsors.
As a brand partner, we will ensure that your support is widely publicized on our social media channels and website, with the volume of coverage being proportional to the scale of your product or service offering. We are willing to negotiate this in advance with you to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
If you have any products or services that you can supply, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss this opportunity further.
Boat Branding
A Human Powered boat is quite a sight! Not only will Vaquita II be crossing several oceans, as part of a world first and world record attempt monitoring by the Ocean Rowing Society in the UK with the big media coverage of any ocean event, but for 18 months prior, will be wheeled out to charity fundraisers and boat shows regularly.
Partnering with the Sea-Battical voyage will cement your logo on one of the world’s more unique billboards; with access via all media platforms to over 3 billion people across the globe!
Funding and support
The central objective of the Campaign is to overcome the most crucial obstacle that lies ahead of me: arriving at the starting line in Mosselbay fully prepared to face the challenge ahead. This demands a comprehensive array of medical, safety equipment, food, training gear, and a strong dose of determination.
However, achieving this goal is only possible with the support of sponsors like you. By joining forces with us throughout the Campaign, our partners will gain significant exposure to a vast audience, along with tailor-made sponsorship packages and brand activations.
The boat will be adorned with highly visible logos upon reaching Mossel Bay, potentially reaching over 10 million individuals during the voyage, including 1 million+ media impressions, 5 million global viewers via television coverage, and 50 million in online readership, providing an exceptional return on your investment.
Sponsorship Packages
Available from R25,000 – R500,000
The benefits that can be offered are subject to negotiation but may include the following:
- A customized marketing strategy tailored to your business, using my campaign to enhance your brand further.
- Opportunities for cross-collaboration between sponsors to generate mutually beneficial sales.
- Your logo displayed on the boat, with the size proportional to your percentage of engagement.
- Your logo prominently displayed on the front or back of expedition-branded clothing (available only for contributions of R50,000 or more).
- Exposure on our website, social media, and mentions in all radio and television interviews.
- Regular posts across all our social media platforms, with the volume of posts relative to the level of support provided.
- Meet-and-greet events with your company prior to the expedition.
- The option to spread the cost of your donation over multiple payments.
- The ability to donate any amount from R25,000 to R500,000.
- Access to all expedition photography and videography.
- The boat will be displayed at the Johannesburg and Cape Town Boat show with your brand logo on it.
Donate to my
expedition
Embarking on a 5 year long journey, I’ve explored the far corners of the world and the sprawling landscapes of Africa, driven by an unyielding thirst for change and challenge. My adventurous spirit has led me to bungee jumping, skydiving, sabbaticals in the Kalahari, and the rigors of endurance cycle tours and races. I’ve soared through the skies in micro-light aircraft and sailed the enchanting African coast. Life, to me, is a grand adventure—a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of constant change and creative living. With an innate willingness to embrace the evolving tapestry of life, I believe that seizing every moment is the key to truly living.
In my quest for a life well-lived, I’ve undertaken a voyage with a purpose. This journey serves as a vessel for various noble causes close to my heart. Firstly, it is dedicated to Operation Smile, aiming to bring smiles back to the faces of children born with deformities. Additionally, it seeks to address the issue of malnourished children worldwide, advocating for good nutrition for those in need. In honor of my dear friend Vussi Marenene, a former top fitness sportsman turned quadriplegic after a tragic cycling accident, the journey aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Pedal for smiles Fundraiser
I intend using this expedition to raise funds for good causes and therefore would love to be considered for raising funds for a worthy cause such as Operation Smile. In fact, along with the personal achievement of completing this challenge, nothing would give me greater pleasure than knowing that children will benefit in the way those who are being assisted by Operation Smile do.
Ordinary people have the ability to do great things…….. so, join me as my virtual crew as I traverse the seas that surround Africa raising funds to help a child smile with confidence. For every R5,500 raised another child can receive a 45 min operation and a new smile!
By donating R35 per kilometer we will help a child smile every 160 km’s paddled of the 28000 total km’s. A total of 175 new smiles around Africa
Raffle Ticket Rules:
1. Eligibility: Participation is open to individuals of all ages. However persons below the age of 18 must be under adult supervision during their stay at Louvain Guest Farm.
2. Ticket Sales: Tickets will be available for purchase online starting April 1, 2024. There is no limit to the number of tickets a single person may buy. Each ticket is priced at R150 and can only be purchased online.
3. Prize Description: The prize includes accommodation for 8 people at “Fiela se Huis”, Louvain Guest Farm, subject to availability after the ticket draw. Additionally, the prize comprises micro-lite flights for 4 individuals (weather permitting) and an Ostrich steak Braai demonstration. The total prize value is estimated at R12000. It should be noted that the prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Booking should be direct wit Louvain guest farm. guestfarm@louvain.co.za or 067 475 8547
4. Drawing Date and Location: The raffle draw is scheduled for November 30, 2024.
5. Winner Notification: Winners will be announced on various social media platforms. A grace period of one week will be allotted for winners to contact the organizers. Failure to do so within this timeframe will result in the next name drawn being awarded the prize. To qualify for the prize, participants must like the Sea-Battical Facebook page, use their name as a reference in the electronic funds transfer (EFT), and send proof of payment and name via WhatsApp to 0837272908.
6. Publicity: Winners will be notified across all social media platforms, and images of the prize presentation will be shared publicly.
7. Legal Compliance: The raffle bank account is managed by Lumenrock Accountants located at Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn, specifically in the Jan Lotz Huis building. The raffle draw will be overseen by Lumenrock to ensure legal compliance.
8. Proceeds: Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Operation Smile, the M5M Foundation, Vussi Marenene Para-Cyclist, the Sea-Battical around Africa project, and administrative costs. The objectives include supporting Operation Smile in providing cleft lip surgeries for children, raising awareness for para-cyclists, feeding malnourished children worldwide through the M5M Foundation, the Sea-Battical Around Africa Project and aiding in the conservation efforts to save the critically endangered Vaquita Porpoise from extinction.
Disclaimers: The prize cannot be exchanged for cash. The organizers cannot be held liable for any incidents or accidents occurring during the visit to Louvain Guest Farm or during any related activities. The decision of the organizers is final, and no disputes will be entertained.
Modification or Cancellation: The organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel the raffle if deemed necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, acts of God, or insufficient participation.
Should you have any further inquiries or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. info@sea-battical.co.za
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My Blog
Business Day article by MARK ETHERIDGE
Richard Kohler: Paddling Across Oceans, Inspiring Souls
Day 3: Swellendam to Bredasdorp
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