6pm AEST

We just had the 5^th feed at the 200min mark of the usual maxim / Gatorade although now added water and banana for extra energy.

We are well out into the channel now so have been passed by a couple of big freighters heading south.  The sun is now well out with the air temperature 18 degrees which is not bad for 9am.  The water temperature is 15 degrees which is one less than the big open water trial swim Kaise did from Bundeena to Bondi.

Coach Daniel has been checking with Kaise at most feed stops about the water temperature and how he is handling it … all seems fine.

Earlier on there were two caps in the water – Kaise’s metallic blue and support swimmer Ryan’s bubblegum pink.  Ryan is allowed to swim for one hour every 2^nd hour if coach Daniel thinks it’s needed for setting the pace and companionship in general.

Both swimmers wear the regulated swimmers – legless, sleeveless and no bouyancy or thermal protection.  Even after these initial hours Kaise still has some of the protective grease on his body and in his flourishing chest hair.

The stroke rate has again lifted to 60 and Kaise’s feet are still breaking the surface with every kick … he’s still going strong.

Don Johnstone – actuarial colleague of Kaise on the boat