In the summer of 2008 we will swim across the English Channel, a unique and demanding feat considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge.
At its shortest point, the Channel crossing is 21 miles in a straight line.
Taking tides and currents into account, most swimmers cover over 30 miles.
The first crossing was by the legendary Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.
The fastest crossing took just under 7 hours.
The slowest lasted over 26 hours.
The water temperature will be 14ºC.
Since 1875 only 936 people have swum the channel. More people have climbed Mount Everest.
Only 5 two-man relay teams have completed the swim.
We may encounter gale force winds, jellyfish or one of the 600 tankers or 300 ferries that traverse the crossing daily.
Only 1 in every 6 swims is successful.
Our costumes must not offer thermal protection, and must be ‘legless’.
We will wear goose fat.