Swimming English Channel
2006-08-20 11:56 AM | Posted by Richard Pettinger | Permanent Link
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The first successful unaided crossing was made by Captain Matthew who took 21 hours and 45 minutes 24-25th August 1875. It is one of the most difficult sporting challenges as swimmers have to compete with not just 21 miles but also cold temperatures and treacherous currents.
At the end of 2005, 811 individuals have completed a total of 1185 verified crossings ( under the rules of the CSA, the CSA (Ltd), the CSPF and Butlins. )
This is interestingly less than the number who have climbed Mount Everest.
Picture top: English Channel
- July and August are the peak times for attempting to swim the channel.
- In 2006 the Comedian David Williams swam the channel in over 10 hours for the BBC charity Sports Relief.
- The undisputed "Queen of the Channel" is Alison Streeter MBE with 43 crossings including one 3-way and three 2-way swims.
- Karteek Clarke has completed the swim 8 times in the past 8 years. Read his account at Sri Chinmoy Races.
- Channel Swimming Association official body of Channel Swimming
Picture top: Karteek Clarke (Sri Chinmoy A.C.)