Aussie long distance swimmer Chloe McCardel is on the way to Florida, hoping to become the first person to swim from Havana to Florida without a cage to protect her from shark attacks.

28-year old Chloe arrived at Havana's Marina Hemingway at 10:00 local time in a pink 1950s Chevrolet convertible.  She hopes to make it to Florida in 60 hours after her start.

Coaches and doctors from onboard boats are monitoring Chloe, and preparing liquid meals and energy drinks for her.  They’re also checking the water for dangerous jellyfish, which spiked American swimmer Diana Nyad’s attempt last year.

The Florida Strait has been busy the last three summers.  Fellow marathon swimmers Diana Nyad and Penny Palfrey made a combined four failed attempts at the crossing since 2011.

Fellow Aussie Susie Maroney successfully made the swim in 1997, although she did it with the benefit of a shark cage.