Derrick Levy triumphs in the iconic Robben Island Crossing
11 Jan 2026
Boating World, South Africa co-owner Derrick Levy successfully completed the iconic Robben Island to Cape Town open-water swim on 17 December 2025, one of the world’s most demanding cold-water endurance swims.
Levy covered 8.25 kilometres to complete the crossing in 3 hours and 33 minutes, navigating powerful ocean currents in 15°C Atlantic water temperatures and 2.25-metre swells. The Robben Island crossing is internationally regarded as one of the toughest cold-water swims, demanding exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience and respect for the ocean.
Levy trained specifically for this crossing with a coach for 18 months, undertaking an intensive programme that included cold-water acclimatisation, long-distance open-water swims and structured pool training. He completed two major open-water swims in preparation for the crossing, further underscoring the seriousness and credibility of this achievement.
The swim was completed unaided, in line with internationally recognised open-water swimming rules, which prohibit any physical contact with support craft. This ensures the crossing is achieved purely under the swimmer’s own power, with no mechanical or physical assistance, reinforcing the authenticity and endurance nature of the feat.
Throughout the crossing, Levy was supported by his Azimut Fly 60, which served as a secondary support vessel to provide safety and logistical support.
For Levy, the swim represented a deeply personal milestone and a powerful test of determination. “This crossing was something I committed to for a long time, not just physically, but mentally. It was about proving to myself what’s possible with discipline and personal belief,” said Levy.
“Having my Azimut Fly 60 alongside me was symbolic. It represented the lifestyle, the freedom and the deep connection to the ocean that comes with owning a yacht. I wanted to show others what that lifestyle truly looks like in real ocean conditions.”
Levy added: “Azimut represents performance, precision and mastery at sea. Completing this crossing with my Fly 60 escorting me felt like a perfect alignment of those values: endurance, resilience and respect for the ocean.”
For boating in Southern Africa, the achievement reinforces Azimut’s alignment with ocean mastery and seamanship, not as a sponsorship or publicity exercise, but as lived experience by an Azimut owner and regional representative. It positions the Azimut brand within an authentic narrative of performance, resilience and long-range capability at sea.
