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Phar lap
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Joined: 20 Jun 2003
Posts: 1006
Location: A flawed Utopia
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 Posted: 07/14/04 - 22:18 Post subject: English Channel attempt.
Spare a thought for a couple of good mates of mine who are part of a 6 person team (5 men and 1 woman) in an attempt on a double crossing of the English Channel (England-France-England)
Some intresting facts; they only have a thin window of opportunity, just seven days in which to attempt the swim, they could be called upon to swim at any time (day or night) decided by the pilot who calculates the most favourable conditions (tides/weather) The shortest distance across the channel is 36km., however because of the huge tides the swimmers are sweept down and then up the channel, swimmers have been known to swim anything up to 55km. in succesfull attempts. So having a good pilot who knows the weather/tides and just when the swimmer should put in the big effort is invaluable.
Each swimmer swims 1 hour legs, regardless of distance. The order of the team cannot be changed. Should a swimmer pull out due to injury the atempt is off, however provided the swimmer is able to spend his/her hour in the water just treading water the swim goes on.
Apart from the pilot boat there is no outside assistance of any kind and this is strictly enforced by an official from the Channel Swimming association. You can wear a swim cap but no wetsuits allowed.
When I last checked the water temprature was 15c.
My good mate 'Bill' was a last minute inclusion in the team as an emergency. Not a bad effort for a 59 year old skinny ectomorph form a running background.
'Paul' who successfully swam the channel 2 years ago will have another solo attempt after the team swim, hoping to break 14 hours
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