Born in 1948, along with the state of Israel. Connected to the sea ever since. I served 23 years in the Navy and presently manage 2 private companies which I founded to develop satellite-based solutions for vessels at sea - Matys On Board Ltd and Matys Satcom Ltd.

Married to Tamar, who, after 36 years, knows me well enough to form a theory as to why I'm doing this swim - I hope to figure it out myself by the time we finish.

We have two grownup children, who presented us with four spirited boys, and one princess just arrived.

I love sailing and swimming, so the combination is doubly appealing. I guess Plures Naves Quam Mentes (Latin for: "More boats than sense") sums it up well.