A former naval officer on a one-man mission to row unassisted from South Africa to South America is expected to arrive at his destination this weekend.

Mere days separate Zirk Botha from completing his epic 7,200-kilometre (4,474-mi) journey from the city of Cape Town to the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

When he arrives, he is expected to break a number of records including the fastest row from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro and the first person to row the route solo.

The former naval combat officer in the South African Navy embarked upon his journey to raise awareness for renewable energy and sustainable development.

His boat, named Ratel, is fitted with solar panels and a seawater desalination system, meanwhile his safety and communications equipment are powered by solar-charged batteries.

Botha, 59, embarked on his journey on 19th December last year and is expected to arrive a fortnight ahead of time, weather conditions permitting.

If he completes his challenge in 71 days, as predicted, he will surpass Wayne Robertson’s and Braam Malherbe’s 2017 record of rowing the route in 92 days.

Botha told South African media: “I’ve completed 3,750 nautical miles (4,315 miles) in 65 days and I have less than 240 miles to go. I have been pushed by huge stern seas, which is like riding a wild horse.

“The sea has been quite rough and the winds have been strong. At least the sea is calmer now, but it’s been really tough and I’m looking forward to the end.

“The relentless nature of the weather has been mentally draining. I wasn’t prepared for that type of challenge.”

Botha has revealed that one of the things he is excited about on arrival is eating fresh food in contrast to the processed fare that has sustained him on his journey.

He is also hoping to put weight back on as the physical exertion of the challenge has led to him losing around 10 kilogrammes (22 lbs), and his remaining food does not cover the rate at which he is burning calories.

Botha is also looking forward to a hero’s welcome and a rest when he arrives. His journey can be tracked in real-time at: https://trackamap.com/row2rio2020/.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.