Gotta Do Rotto

The Rottnest Channel Swim will hold a free comprehensive informational seminar to help swimmers plan everything for its 19.7K challenge.

Solo swimmers, duos (teams of two) and relay teams of four are welcome to learn appropriate training programs, nutritional preparation and an achievable race plan for the 2010 WAtoday Rottnest Channel Swim held annually in February.

The new Rottnest Channel Swim Association president Ceri Writer explains, "This event is such an iconic and important part of Western Australia's calendar, and to be presiding over the 20th Anniversary of the swim is a real honour. I would urge all prospective swimmers to attend this seminar to gather as much information as possible about what to expect out there in the ocean, and how to best prepare for that."

Past and present Rottnest channel swimmers will discuss their experiences, their mistakes and their tips, which will provide invaluable information to novice swimmers of this incredible event.

The seminar will be held on August 18th at Challenge Stadium. To register, email admin@rottnestchannelswim.com.au.

Photo shows 2008 Rottnest Channel solo winner Melissa Benson who won in 4:41.

The Rottnest Channel Swim Armada Set

Over 2,300 swimmers, 1,000 paddlers, 750 escort boat pilots and 5,500 support crew will take to the seas for this weekend's 19.2K WAtoday Rottnest Channel Swim.

The field includes professional swimmers, ex-Olympians, international competitors and local community members who will participate in the solo race, the 2-person duo category, the 4-person team category and the 4-person Lavan Legal Charity Challenge.

The solo swimmers will start at 6:45 am from Cottesloe Beach, followed by the duos and teams. Everyone will head towards Rottnest Island which is off of Fremantle on Western Australia's southwest coast. Under expected good conditions, the first competitors are expected to arrive at Thomson Bay between 10:30am and 11:00am.

The armada of boats, kayaks, support crew, media and swimmers - and the incredible organization behind this grand spectacle - make this event one of the greatest open water swimming events in the world.

We wish good luck and safe swimming to all.

There was a much smaller armada when Chloe McCardel of Melbourne attempted her unprecedented 51K triple-crossing of the Rottnest Channel earlier this month. Unfortunately, 25-35 knot winds and strong currents got the better of Chloe 5K from Rottnest Island near the end of the second crossing 11 hours into her swim.

"[Chloe] was still swimming very strong, her spirits were up, but the conditions were outside of her control," said Don Crellin who was on her support boat. Her crew expected strong winds - forecasted for 15 knots - which Chloe had hoped would have assisted her on her third and final leg. "She has plenty in the tank, but she couldn't break through the winds and the currents."