Delaware Bay swimmer first to cross by ferry

The body of water that separates the state of Delaware and New Jersey has been crossed numerous times by swimmers looking to conquer the unpredictable waters--rising and falling tides and strong, swirling currents. Next month the first swimmer ever to cross the seventeen-mile-wide mouth of the Delaware Bay will do so by ferry.

"I've been training for months and months," said Zack Meldin, 37, a resident of Vineland, NJ. "I have studied both ferry terminals and the whole fleet so I will be prepared for any surprises."

The journey, starting in Lewes, DE and ending in Cape May, NJ, is expected to take just about 80 minutes and cost a steep $43.25 peak season fare because Meldin will take along his new four-door Jeep Wrangler.

The athlete was unaware that each passenger taken in the car will be an additional $10.00. With his girlfriend, parents and brother all coming along to support his attempt at a record-setting crossing, the total cost comes to $83.25.

"It is a lot of money, but I really want the people I care about most to be with me during the crossing. They were there when I crossed the English Channel by train in 2007 and I want them here in August," said Meldin, his eyes welling.

Meldin's sponsors include Subway, Jeep and DelMarVa Power who will only contribute sandwiches, jeeps and electricity, not cash, towards the swimmer's bay crossing.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry company, operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, has been very cooperative with Meldin and his family. The DRBA has organized meetings between the swimmer and the fleet's 12 ship captains, provided blueprints of the ships and terminals and will provide a $20 gift card good for on board food purchases (not valid at Subway). The DRBA has also arranged for Meldin's Jeep to be driven onto the ship by a crew member to help conserve the athlete's energy for the journey.

"He can't wait. He's been doing a lot of rowing and he even traveled to Massachusetts to take a 'practice ferry' to Nantucket. He's as ready as he'll ever be," said Harriet Meldin, Zack's mother.

Delaware's most famous resident Vice President Joe Biden will lead a send off from Lewes next month, while New Jersey governor Jon Corzine and Subway's Jared will welcome Zack to the Garden State.


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