History of Event
Cadiz Financial Services Group owns the event. Ram Barkai, CEO of Cadiz Holdings, is a regular participant in the event and is chairman of the swim committee. This event requires massive logistical and organizational input with safety being the primary concern.
Since its inception in 2001 the swim has grown each year with up to 500 swimmers (solo and relay) expected in April 2012 - among them are some of SA's most extreme athletes and several international competitors. In 2011, Bulgarian Petar Stoychev, the most successful marathon swimmer of the last decade and world record holder for the fastest English Channel swim, won the race.
There is a high level of media interest in the swim, including international and national television and press coverage, largely because of its extreme nature.
The event also highlights Robben Island's role in SA's struggle for democracy. Swimmers are made aware of this historic context, as well as the World Heritage Site status of the island. Every care and consideration is taken to ensure the island is accorded the necessary dignity and respect.
The race is fast becoming a showcase for development swimming, with up to 50 development swimmers expected to enter in 2012, a direct result of the work of the Cadiz Open Water Swimming Development Trust.
