Br.Ant.Territory : New Zealand's Kayak Team in South Georgia First
Submitted by (Juanita Brock) 04.11.2005 (Article Archived on 18.11.2005)

A Kayak Team from New Zealand has successfully circumnavigated South Georgia - a historical first!

NEW ZEALAND TEAM SUCCESSFULLY CIRCUMNAVIGATES SOUTH GEORGIA

By J. Brock (FINN)

A New Zealand kayak team, who brought their effort forward three months has successfully circumnavigated the South Atlantic Island of South Georgia.  It took approximately four weeks for the team to complete the task - a historic first.

Coming ashore at King Edward Point to champagne, the task was completed on Monday, 31 October 2005, approximately 12 days before the reported effort of a four person team headed by ex SAS soldier, Pete Bray will begin.  The New Zealand flag was raised and the national anthem was played on sax. 

While on South Georgia the New Zealand team have been orienteering and skiing as well as the tourist bits - visiting the Museum, Whalers’ Church and Shackleton’s grave. 

“Our equipment has been tested to the limit during the circumnavigation but we could not have done it without our sponsors and supporters,” said the team leader.  Staff at Sulivan Shipping offered logistical support to the New Zealand team, which will be passing through the Falklands in mid November.