COOK STRAIT SWIM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21213, 19 December 1930, Page 16

COOK STRAIT SWIM.

MISS GLEITZE’S PREPARATIONS. DATE FIXED FOR FEBRUARY 9. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 18. Unless had weather interferes with the attempt, Miss Mercedes Gleitze, the famous long distance swimmer, will set out on her Cook Strait swim on February 9 next. If the weather is bad the swim will be postponed until February 25. The swimmer is waiting until the sea is at its warmest. In making these dates known to-day. Miss Gleitze said they were not absolutely final, but she had made full inquiries, and it was unlikely that anything would upset them. During the two days which have elapsed since her arrival she has been interviewing those who have the best knowledge of the conditions in Cook Strait. She , has spoken to Captain O’Neill, Mr J. Tait, and fishermen, Harbour Board employees, and others. February 9 next is the date of the first neap tide in the month, Miss Gleitze explained, and February 25 that of the second. Neap tides were the best for such swims because during the spring tides the weather and the surface of the sea were liable to change easily. The currents were the strongest at the spring tides, and if there was any wind the sea easily became choppy. Miss Gleitze’s boatman will be Mr J. Tait, who has considerable experience of Cook Strait. There will be a crew of five in Addition to those whom Miss Gleitze invites as witnesses, including friends and members of the press. She ■will probably have 18 witnesses altogether. The swim is to begin from the North Island.