2001-2005

The annual race (2001-2005)

Due to the expansion of the race and the increased commitment required from the volunteer committee, the RCSA agreed to tender for an Event Management consultant. Since 2001 the Event Management consultant has been successfully assisting the RCSA in the organisation of the annual swim event.

In 2001 the RCSA formed the Emergency Control Operations (ECO) to include direct involvement in the swim by the relevant authorities. For more information, see Safety.

With its growth in popularity the Rottnest Channel Swim became the world's largest open water swimming event in 1998 attracting 1,150 competitors. The history books were again rewritten in 2001 with participation levels of 2,022.

The current duo race record was set in 2001 by Travis and Jarrad Nederpelt with a time of 3:55:54.

An electronic timing system was introduced in 2002 to improve the efficiency of the race. Specific areas of improvement have been speed and credibility of information and instant access to results.

In 2003, 160 individuals, 92 teams of 2 and 421 teams of 4 entered the swim with a wait list of 135 teams who, unfortunately, missed out on competing. The conditions were the worst in the history of the swim with 12-15knot westerly winds and early squalls forecast which presented turbulent water for the duration of the event. However, many swimmers did not start the event, many retired or were withdrawn during the event for safety reasons and only 43% of competitors who entered the swim completed it.

The Virtual Rottnest Channel Swim (VRCS) is a concept to provide the community with the opportunity to replicate the 20km crossing to Rottnest at local pools. It is ideal for country swimmers who cannot attend the actual Rottnest Channel Swim, swimmers who do not wish to compete in the ocean or swimmers who miss out on competing in the Rottnest Channel Swim due to number restrictions. For more information see 'Other Events'.

The RCSA organised a 10km qualifying trial in 2003 for those solo swimmers who did not have experience in long distance open water swimming in the ocean. Now renamed the 'Rotto Rehearsal', the 10km swim is now open to all swimmers and has included teams of 2 and 4. See 'Other Events' for more information.

Feedback indicates that the 2004 Multiplex Living Rottnest Channel Swim was the best swim ever. The number of participants that competed increased to 2303 - up 13% from 2003. Improvements in risk management and safety procedures allowed this increase. Some of the new initiatives introduced in 2004 include:

• 100 swimmers per wave start resulting in increase from 5 to 8 starts
• Holding bays for support craft 500m north and south of start line
• Tall ship Leeuwin used as an icon craft
• The Rottnest Channel Swim year book was produced in conjunction with the West Australian

2004 also saw The Invincibles - DFG Homeloans set a new race record for the fastest team in a time of 3:43:02. The swimmers were Travis Nederpelt, Jarrad Nederpelt, Aaron Holding and Josh Sinclair.

In 2004 Peter Tanham completed his 21st crossing, the most number of successful crossings to date.

A new initiative introduced in 2005 is the opportunity for people with disabilities to enter through the allocation of 5 reserved team places.

Jarrad Nederpelt became the second person to have won the solo, duo and team events. Peter Galvin was the first person to achieve this milestone having won the solo event in 1991, the duo event in 1992 and the team event in 1994.