100+ Miles from Cuba to Florida Unassisted In June 2012, World Champion Marathon Swimmer, Penny Palfrey, will attempt a feat of epic proportions. She plans to swim from Havana, Cuba, the state of Florida, a distance of 103 Miles or 166 kilometres. If successful, Penny will break her own world record for the longest unassisted (without the use of shark cages or swimming aids such as wetsuits or fins) open water ocean swim. This swim will make news headlines around the world, especially in Australia and the USA, where Penny will complete her epic journey. Between Cuba to Florida is 103 miles (166 km) of Open Ocean known as the Florida Straits. For most avid swimmers, conquering the Florida Straits is incomprehensible. The likelihood of spending the better part of three days AND nights in the ocean with sharks, jellyfish, the relentless tropical sun and the gulf stream currents make this swim no more than an impossibility for even seasoned marathon swimmers. According to the experts, Penny is probably the only swimmer in the world today who is capable of crossing this body of water. Media Attention Due to the close proximity and enormous tension between Cuba and the United States, Americans are very interested in attempts to swim the Florida Straits. There were two unsuccessful attempts in 2011 to swim the Florida Straits. Up to 1.3 million people followed these attempts on-line. All major USA TV networks covered the stories. Penny was naturally interested in these recent attempts, following her record breaking swim in the Cayman Islands which is just south of Cuba. Sponsorship opportunities currently exist for this event. Partnering for a Cause Unsafe drinking water is the world's leading cause of sickness and death and prevents millions of people from working or going to school. Yet it is a problem we can solve. Just $30 gives one person access to safe drinking water. Penny is proud to lend the attention she receives toward raising funds for safe drinking water projects. Please contribute to the Penny Palfrey water fund, which will be managed by Blue Planet Network. About Penny |  About The Team |  Penny's Website   Penny emerges after 40 hours in the water swimming 68 miles between the Cayman Islands. Photo - Reuters.

Penny Palfrey – Marathon Swimmer Extraordinaire

Penny has a long history as an open water marathon swimmer, and she is considered the best in the world. In the open ocean, she is fast, strong, and has extraordinary will power to overcome the elements and succeed in her quest. She is well known and very marketable.

This is why she was handpicked to attempt the “Bridging the Cayman Islands” swim in the western Caribbean. A joint initiative of local business and the Cayman Islands Government, it involved two swims. On June 6, 2011, she swam the 8 kilometres between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Island in record time. Then on June 10, she swam 108.24 kilometres or 68 miles between Little Cayman and Grand Cayman Islands, in 40 hours and 41 minutes, breaking the world record for the longest unassisted open water ocean swim. The finish of Penny’s swim appeared on television networks, and in the print and online media around the world. And Penny, as a mother and grandmother, captivated the hearts and imagination of everyone in the Cayman Islands, particularly women and children. After the swim, Penny was invited to a sitting of the Cayman Islands parliament, and received a standing ovation from both houses, as she was nominated for an “Honorary Order of the Cayman Islands” for service to sport and promoting the Cayman Islands. She is the only non-Caymanian ever to be so nominated.

Penny has a swimming career spanning decades, and many other amazing achievements to her credit. She is recognized by her peers as the best open water ultra marathon swimmer in the world today, and one of the greatest marathon swimmers of all time. Penny lives in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

Team Penny Palfrey

We have a great and experienced team of people supporting Penny in her world record attempt. Highly experienced watermen from Australia, Hawaii and the USA mainland, who know Penny and have worked with her before. They maintain responsibility for her strategy, safety and protection, her regimented and critical feedings, and validation that she swims within the rules. Our team includes qualified and experienced medical personnel, expert kayakers, and divers who will keep any inquisitive sharks at bay without harming them. We also have an excellent boat pilot and crew, with experience in escorting swimmers and kayakers in the Florida Straits.