Palfrey ready to set ocean swim history

| 07/06/2011

(CNS):International open water swimmer Penny Palfrey is poised and ready to begin her world record breaking marathon swim on Thursday despite the potential rough seas. Palfrey will be swimming from Little Cayman to Grand Cayman in less than favourable weather and what are likely to be seas with wave heights reaching as much as six foot – not to mention sharks. The long distance sea swimmer will be departing Little Cayman at 3am with an estimated arrival time on Grand Cayman somewhere between 12 noon – 8 pm depending on the weather and other circumstances.  Palfrey will be supported by a crew of experienced mariners who will be working day and night to get her safely between the islands in the unprecedented swimming feat. 

Steve Munatones, the advisor on the team supporting Palfrey on her ocean marathon said the weather may be a bit unsettled but the ocean swells and with the winds behind her this could help. “The start may be dicey, the finish will be difficult and the mid-channel will be no better, but this is what we all signed up to do,” he said adding that Palfrey was ready to go.

On Monday, in a practice swim, Palfrey broke the existing record when she swam between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman through the open waters of the Bogue channel. She completed the five mile stretch in 53 minutes and 28 seconds, Muntones revealed.

During her swim between Little Cayman and Grand Cayman Palfrey will be fed and watered via a special feeding stick if the waters are rough. As she swims her team will be on board both jet skis and kayaks and a primary support boat will also be nearby. As well as getting food and water to her, they will be able to offer medical assistance if she needs it. One of the kayaks will also be dragging a heavy shark shield behind Palfrey to keep away unwanted swimming companions. 

If Palfrey completes the massive non-stop marathon swim without assistance (other than being fed etc) she will not only be the first person to ever swim between the two islands but it will also be the longest open water swim (recorded) in history.
 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Tanya Streeter has broken and set most of the world's diving records and is by far Cayman's own most accomplished Caymanian athlete, yet she gets little or no support or credit or recognition which is beyond shameful.  The excuses for not doing so are lame and pathetic.  Having said that, I do wish Ms Palfrey a safe and successful swim and am glad for her that she has been given all the support due her.  Please can I have your shark repellent when you're done? 

     

  2. Anonymous says:

    My gosh – people can really make an expat vs local issue out of everything. How shallow and annoying!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Best of luck Penny!!! Those driving the boats should make sure you compensate for current and wind. Your time frame sounds a little to short but I hope all goes well.   Also watch outfor Coco. Just kidding.

  4. peter milburn says:

    Good luck Penny and we hope for calm seas for this attempt.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Good Luck Penny!!!

  6. Paradise Lost says:

    Good Luck Penny!  We are all pulling for you.

  7. Anonymous says:

    This is great positive publicity for the islands!  Go Penny!

     

    We are rooting for you!

     

  8. B. B. L. Brown says:

    It's gonna be a tough swim, Penny.  Good luck!

  9. Anonymous says:

    I wish her luck , why not wait for calmer waters?

  10. Anonymous says:

    Do you know Tanya Streeter?

  11. Anonymous says:

    Why have I never seen one of these signs for Tanya Streeter?

    • A who? says:

      And a who dat? Tanya Streeter?

    • Anonymous says:

      Simple she is Caymanian

    • Anonymous says:

      Seriously – are the people of this island reduced to this petty wah wah wah b.s. everytime ANYTHING happens?!? This lady is about to try something quite remarkable and because she's getting a little bit of support you're throwing your rattle out of your pram. I'm sure everyone organizing it must have an agenda against Mrs. Streeter, that's probably the only reason for them organizing this in the first place. Idiot.

       

    • Just Sayin' says:

      Because as Caymanians we do not like to encourage our fellow Caymanians to try silly and dangerous things which may bring them harm. If it's a foreigner on the other hand, and there might be a buck or two in it for us somewhere, we are all for it.

    • Anonymous says:

      I have seen Tanya Streeter in one of our Caymanian Magazines. Not only is the magazine Caymanian but it was also placed in our National Airlines "Cayman Airways". It's always best to know facts before bashing.

      Good Luck to this courageous woman and I thank her for choosing our Islands.

    • Anonymous says:

      Because she's retired and doesn't live in Cayman? Because she set her records in other places like Turks and Caicos? Jeez, this lady brings some free publicity and you still find something to whine about?

    • Anonymous says:

      1. why don't you ask her publicity machine?

      2. why don't you make one and go wave it at the airport the next time she graces us with a visit?