New Zealand's Cook Strait

My next swim adventure will be in April.  I will attempt to swim Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand a distance of 16 nautical miles. Swimming the strait is considered by many as one of the most difficult swims in the world due to unpredictable waters.  This crossing will be my fifth swim of the Oceans Seven Challenge.  I have not underestimated the degree of difficulty of this upcoming challenge.  I know what I will be facing...extreme currents, strong tidal flows, and aggressive marine life ( no swimmer has ever been attacked while attempting to swim across Cook Strait). I'm looking forward to this challenge.  My crew will consist of my brother David and his wife Jeannie, and nephew Chris....they did a fantastic job as my crew for my English Channel Swim in 2011.  One of the highlights of going to New Zealand will be meeting swimming legend Philip Rush (one of the greatest marathon swimmers of all time).  He completed a three-way crossing of the English Channel in a time of 28 hours and 21 minutes.   Philip is the coordinator of the Cook Strait Swim. There will be two boats and crew to safely monitor my swim.  Phil will be in the smaller boat guiding me.  The larger boat will have the navigational equipment, boat pilot and crew. It's going to be an exciting adventure.