Nathalie Pohl Becomes First German Woman To Conquer The Cook Strait
28-year-old Nathalie Pohl of Germany completed the sixth stage of the Oceans Seven with a fast 6 hour 33 minute crossing of the Cook Strait in New Zealand. Cornelia Rustemeyer writes about her March 1st crossing, " It seems as if neither a cyclone, nor an earthquake, can stop Natalie. Her ambition is limitless: In her third attempt, Nathalie managed to cross the Cook Strait as the fastest European woman in history. The passage between Ohau Bay on New Zealand’s North Island and Arapawa Island on its South Island is considered particularly dangerous. Only 130 swimmers have successfully made the crossing. In addition to being a busy shipping lane, there are often sharks to contend with and significant seismic shifts on the seabed, which can cause dangerous currents. The Cook Strait is also known for its rough seas. Strong currents can add many hours to the swim. As Nathalie experienced twice before, New Zealand’s forces of nature are something to be reckoned with. She ...