Capetonian marathon swimmers Carina Bruwer and Hugh Tucker will attempt the 35km solo swim across False Bay this season. Carina has been on standby to challenge the bay from 31 January, but strong winds have been preventing an attempt. Hugh Tucker will be standing by for the swim from Saturday 25 February.

The arduous 35km swim from Rooi Els to Miller's Point (Simonstown) has been achieved only twice in the past. The crossing – in distance similar to the English Channel – represents one of the ultimate tests for marathon swimmers in the world. Apart from the grueling distance, the swim is fraught with dangers, including strong currents, unpredictable winds, icy waters, and the ever present danger presented by the fact that False Bay has one of the highest populations of White sharks in the world. These conditions have gotten the better of most of the 20 swimmers who have attempted the crossing in the past. The swim has been completed successfully twice: first in 1989 by the world-renowned Belgian swimmer Annemie Landmeters, and in 2004 by South Africa ’s own distance swimming ace Steve Klugman. In an interview after his epic crossing two years ago, which took 14h15, Klugman said “I am insane. I will never do it again; for those who are looking at attempting it, good luck!”

The swimmers' support boats will be equipped with an electronic shark repellant device. Regular press updates will follow. The swim should commence from Rooi Els around 06:00 on the chosen day . The projected finishing point is Millers Point near Simonstown.

More information and updates on Carina Bruwer's attempt can be found on www.carinabruwer.com

More information on Hugh Tucker is available on www.hughtucker.co.za