UCT students make waves for science

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But a group of sailors from the University of Cape Town are hoping to make waves of a different kind by turning their yacht into a science lab for the upcoming Cape to Rio race.

And there is little chance of protest interruptions during the 5800km trip across the South Atlantic, which begins in early January.

The UCT crew are frantically raising funds - about R700,000 is needed - to fulfil their pledge to "race for science". They have already arranged to deploy three "sea surface drifters" to assist the South African Weather Service in gathering information about sea temperature, sea-level pressure and ocean currents.

They will also gather valuable meteorological data to feed into global climate databases. The project is being run in association with the UCT department of oceanography, and will also raise funds for a youth sailing programme.

"On their return, the team will host information-sharing events regarding their observations as well as provide more information on the international databases to which they will contribute," the group said in a press statement issued by UCT Yacht Club. "It is the hope that the data collected can educationally benefit not only students at UCT, but all over the world.

"Encountering the joys and challenges of offshore racing, the camaraderie of teamwork and the isolation of a vast open ocean, the experience will shape the life of any sailor brave enough to attempt the race."

Campaign manager Mikhayla Bader said the biggest cost was chartering a yacht robust enough to endure the challenging sea conditions: "It is the first three days to a week that will be our most challenging section - the weather is unpredictable and can be very extreme."

The sailors are from different university faculties, and all have solid sailing experience. Bader said the science fieldwork would add excitement.

The students are not the only amateur scientists heading for Rio. Veteran South African adventurer Braam Malherbe is setting off at the start of the race in a glorified rowboat. With fellow rower Peter van Kets, Malherbe hopes to complete the journey in around three months after an estimated 2.3-million rowing "pulls".

The duo will wear hi-tech waterproof vests capable of monitoring their vital statistics. Their trip will be linked to a software app allowing spectators to follow them in real time - and even watch them via a camera mounted on the back of their boat. The aim of the trip is to raise awareness about environmental challenges facing the earth.

Source: Sunday Times