The English Channel is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. It isn't just the distance that is the challenge, but more, the variable conditions that we are likely to encounter. These may vary for mirror like conditions to wind force 6 and wave heights in excess of 2 metres. The water is cold, there is a good chance of meeting jellyfish, seaweed and the occasional plank of wood. It is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with 600 tankers passing through and 200 ferries/seacats and other vessels going across daily.

Swims usually start at or near Shakespeare's Cliff (in between Folkestone and Dover), and aim to finish at or near Cap Gris Nez (between Boulogne and Calais). Nowadays Swims are from England to France. When the Swim has finished, the Pilot boat will bring us back to England. The shortest distance is 21 miles - but on either side of Cap Griz Nez, the French Coastline drops away, so you have further to go to make landfall. In addition the current will move us many miles from side to side as the Tide ebbs and flows.

We will be swimming in relay. Each swimmer will do 1 hours each before the next swimmer gets in behind her and swims past before they can get back into the boat. The slowest swim completed and recorded is nearly 27 hours. That would mean that each of us would be swimming either four or five 1 hour slots.

The sea-state can change very quickly, with little warning. The Pilots have considerable knowledge of the local waters and we will expect them to give us a fair chance of a successful swim without placing us at risk. The Pilot will retain the right to stop the swim if he considers it inadvisable to continue. During the Swim season (July to September) the temperature to ranges from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius. July starts off cold.(when we are swimming) .... August has the best of it..... September can cool off quickly if the air temperature drops!

A Standard Channel Swim must be accomplished without assistance of any kind other than the provision of nourishment - and a pilot/safety boat! We are restricted to a 'Standard' Swim Costume, A 'Standard Swim Costume' which "shall be of a material not offering Thermal Protection or Buoyancy and shall be Sleeveless and Legless: 'Sleeveless' shall mean the Costume must not extend beyond the end of the shoulder onto the Upper Arm; 'Legless' shall mean the Costume must not extend onto the Upper Leg below the level of the Crotch. The cap, also, shall not offer thermal protection or buoyancy. "

Visit The Channel Swim Association at http://www.channelswimming.net/