How long is the english channel?
As the crow flies, the English Channel is 34km wide at its narrowest part - the green line in the diagram above, roughly from Dover (Shakespeares Beach) to Calais(Cap Griz Nez). This is the ideal line to follow for a direct (ie short) swim to the other side. The tides pushing through the channel are quite strong, however, and the swim is so long that most swimmers end up swimming an inverted 'S' (the red line above) as the tide changes twice during the swim. This gives a total distance of about 45km, but it may be more, depending on where the tide carries you and how strong you can swim to exit the current before it changes.
The first successful crossing was in 1875 by Captain Mathew Webb. Unfortunately he didn't wear any neoprene and so set the standard for "channel rules". Since then it has become the gold standard for marathon cold-water swims. More people have climbed Mt Everest than completed a channel swim.
How long does it take to swim the channel?
The tide changes mean that times for channel swims are unpredictable unless you are fast and strong enough to swim the straight green line course. The fastest time is held by Petar Stoychev at 6 hours 57 minutes. Average times are 14 to 18 hours to complete the crossing. The slowest crossing is recorded at 28 hours 44 minutes. It is said that one should never have a time in one's head when swimming the channel. Nor should you look book, ask how long you've been swimming or how far you have left. Easier said than done!
When?
My tide window is 6th - 16th August 2012. I have second position on the neap tide. What does that actually mean? Well, as we know tide waits for no man nor woman either. Unfortunately we have no control over the weather either.
Each aspiring channel swimmer books a spot with a pilot - in my case I am booked with Mike Oram and his boat Gallivant. He books four slots/swimmers on each tide and on the first swimmable "window" he offers the chance to go to each swimmer in order. This means my swim will be some time between this window - but there is always the risk of getting "weathered out" meaning one doesn't get to swim. It happens. The thought of training for twelve months and never even getting the chance to begin? That's cruel.
What rules does a swim have to adhere to?
A swimmer can only wear a standard porous swimsuit, a hat, goggles, ear plugs and noseclip - so no wetsuit, fins, paddles or anything. They must start on dry land (above the waterline) and finish on dry land (above the waterline). You may not get out/ touch the boat/ touch a person during the attempt. You can have some company from another swimmer after three hours for up to an hour and again after 2hrs once that swimmer gets out. Jury is out on whether "greasing up" keeps you warm but it certainly helps with chub rub/ chaffing/ ire.
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