Wilhelm Botha swapped a manufacturing deadline for an Epic finishing line – but managed to conquer both.
Botha is a well-known stakeholder in the Cape Town maritime supply chain, renowned for high-quality workmanship. He is also a keen cyclist who this year decided to test himself on one of the world’s toughest cycling challenges – the eight-day 692km Cape Epic.
His two passions collided in mid-March when the start of the Epic coincided with a milestone delivery deadline – the first FCD Spars furling boom.
Fortunately, the work project was almost complete, allowing Botha to hand over to his team, and hit the trail. “It just turned out that delivery of the first furling boom was on the Monday, and the Epic started on the Sunday,” Wilhelm told SABBEX. “In my mind I had the Epic as this big thing about to happen, but we just had to get this boom out.”
“The rest of the guys really stepped up and took control –it was amazing to see the teamwork. I felt confident that the team had it under control – and they nailed it. I went off to the Epic and that was it.”
It meant Botha was able to focus on his pedal power and overcoming one of the world’s toughest cycling challenges, which he did. With hindsight he describes the experience as ‘the ultimate breakaway’: “It was such an amazing break, where you just get rid of all the noise and external input, and just simplify life to the point that every day you just get back on your bike, breathe, pedal, and be present.”
“It was truly an amazing experience.”