todays channel relays [Archive] - SwimClub.co.uk Forums

2.tso

27-09-2008, 08:19 AM

ok i was just on the phone with leppy, his boat the first of 3 today went out at 9.05am

the weather is good so that means flyingbean should get out too shes boat 3 here is info leppy postedin an earlier thread

I'm number six on the escort boat Suva, the other is Roco. You can watch them on AIS on http://www.tierathlon.de/channelboats.htm

I'd suggested the others start and then I'd watch for a bit, tell them a few stories and generally harange them into getting over as fast as we can. I have a team triathlon at Tooting 8am Sunday (with Prof - aka "The Wood St Gazelle" - and Tasmanian_Deville).

Hoping that "IT Dave" will get us posted on www.lido-legends.co.uk per usual but lets wait and see. I will text some of you if/when we go. Its 8am start from Dover Marina

As its for "Cheridy", I have set up a link for donations.
http://www.justgiving.com/jim-channel2008

good luck leppy and fb

2.tso

27-09-2008, 08:42 AM

well there he is yellow hat n all on his way to france AGAIN!

LAZy

27-09-2008, 09:01 AM

Good luck one and all....

Leprechaun

27-09-2008, 09:52 AM

hi all. lovely day out.15min to next handover. no big ships at all Channel is empty.think of the charity too folks

missjackiechan

27-09-2008, 09:57 AM

Good luck, nice day for it.

Juicy Lucy

27-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Good luck to all, but isn't the water too cold?

2.tso

27-09-2008, 10:41 AM

looks like a mill pond, not sure who this is it should not be leppy unless they have changed the order!

the water jl is about the limit they wouldnt let any solo swims go after this weekend i doubt but would let relays go as they are only in the water preiodicly

2.tso

27-09-2008, 10:41 AM

hahaha its deff not leppy unless he is wearing a famale suit. i have seen worse!

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 10:51 AM

If that's Leppy he's taken to wearing a lady's costume

Not too cold JL - "too cold" is up to the individual in any case, but no it's generally accepted that it's fine for Channel swims still (and even more fine for relays)

Leprechaun

27-09-2008, 11:37 AM

KatieBun

27-09-2008, 11:54 AM

no I am not wearing any girlie cossie.I am in at 1406 as last of six swimmers.we are 600m from first shipping lane.team happy n healthy. radio doing classic pop..."stuck in the middle with you" rather coincidental...water is ok according to those in already.id say warm!! waves maybe 25cm...what waves?!

Leppy, you need to stick your "cheridy" link in your signature! Come on, man, be cheeky! (Yes, I know we don't like to talk about that, mate, but needs must!)

http://www.justgiving.com/jim-channel2008

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 11:57 AM

Sandettie says 16.5*C Leppy - is that what Suva says too?

I'll be there Sunday night so if you feel like leaving me any leftover snacks, that's fine! :)

2.tso

27-09-2008, 11:59 AM

The laws of the sea are strange as leppy stated thye are getting close to the shipping lanes here is what you see when you get to the shipping lanes,
the swimmers have the right of way but these big boats can take 3 or 4 miles to stop!!!!

2.tso

27-09-2008, 12:05 PM

leppy are you expecting a string tide?? will the boat follow course untill the mid then rush with tide to cap or be against tide?

2.tso

27-09-2008, 12:52 PM

SO JUST OVER 10 MIN TILL OUR VERY OWN LEPPY TAKES TO THE BRINK, i assume this is the last pic and is getting ready to jump on in!!!

2.tso

27-09-2008, 01:07 PM

leppy is in!!

Spidey

27-09-2008, 01:17 PM

In what?

2.tso

27-09-2008, 01:21 PM

the sea

Spidey

27-09-2008, 01:29 PM

Not some sea container turn out then.

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 02:22 PM

It's a neap tide not a spring as far as I know 2 tso

Wildswimmer

27-09-2008, 05:49 PM

It's a neap tide not a spring as far as I know 2 tso

We're on spring tides up here. Today's high at Liverpool was 9.4m and that's most definitely a spring.

I've been swimming at New Brighton today and this is confirmed by how far I had to go out to find water deep enough to swim at low tide. This afternoon's low tide was a niggardly 1.83m.

Wildswimmer Pete

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 05:57 PM

Oh OK! I dunno - I assumed it was a neap as so many swims have gone out, but I guess with the weather having been so bad they take what they can!

Wildswimmer

27-09-2008, 07:04 PM

Oh OK! I dunno - I assumed it was a neap as so many swims have gone out, but I guess with the weather having been so bad they take what they can!

Looking at moon-phase we'd be expecting "normal" (ie in-between) tides, but we've just crossed the Autumn Equinox, and the tides do slightly weird things around the equinoxes. We've got some super-high springs to come in October (over 10m) and the same happened in early April just after the Spring Equinox.

Wildswimmer Pete

2.tso

27-09-2008, 07:29 PM

i got a message from leppy at 8 he was readying himself for another dip sounds like they are doing a tour of the cap having some problems getting in, i think leppy will finnish it off for them, i will report back when i hear the time total etc!

2.tso

27-09-2008, 07:42 PM

as you can see the tide is strong and has taken them beyond cap, i think jim should be in the water its a fight from here on in!! DARKNESS TIREDNESS SEA SICKNESS COLDNESS you have to admire these folk!

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 08:30 PM

I've just had a call from another friend of ours (Leppy - Mr M Cross) who is also out on a (different) relay today. He says it's been an absolutely glorious day: warm sunshine, barely a ripple on the water. Sounds great conditions!

2.tso

27-09-2008, 08:35 PM

right just had text from leppy as feared they are fighting the squeese looks like it will be a 16 hour swim minimum, leppy is jus out he had a good hour he is pleased with it

Dover Swimmer

27-09-2008, 08:57 PM

From Leppy: "We have Gris Nez lighthouse in our 10 o'clock position two miles away...hell!"

Gris Nez is the point that all swims ideally aim for. Two miles doesn't sound a lot but I think the issue will be now that - having been in for around 12 hours - the tide will be about to turn again (it turns every 6 hours) so they will be taken up as well as swimming in - hence the "hell"!

Leprechaun

27-09-2008, 09:22 PM

hey we are below the lighthouse possibly landing this swim.someone gave us a push....tide not too bad, looking straight at it now maybe 300m but longer when we swim....oh we drifting, cime on Frederik!!

waterbucket

27-09-2008, 09:55 PM

Go Leppy and team!!
I wish you all the luck in the world.

2.tso

27-09-2008, 09:58 PM

they are landing as we speak leppy is out of the boat with the rest of the team for the glory swim!! congradulations all

Prof

27-09-2008, 09:58 PM

R u there yet?? R we doing this triathlon in the morning????

The Wood Street Gazelle..

2.tso

27-09-2008, 10:03 PM

14 hours landed give or take 10 min either way good job

Leprechaun

27-09-2008, 10:08 PM

hi all. back on boat after swimming in with four of team. 13hr42 official time. wonderful swimming by everyone.very proud.never let anyone tell you you get used to it.its a wonderful feeling and would love see you all get chance to enjoy this expwrience

2.tso

27-09-2008, 10:10 PM

fantastic

Dover Swimmer

28-09-2008, 07:07 AM

Well done all! Where did you land? Didn't quite understand your text about weak tide etc - do you mean it was slacker than you had first expected so you were able to land on Cap?

Good stuff! Well done again!

KatieBun

28-09-2008, 08:59 AM

LAZy

28-09-2008, 09:35 AM

Great stuff all..

post some pickies.

NotVeryFast

28-09-2008, 10:04 AM

Dover Swimmer

28-09-2008, 02:49 PM

Don't knock it til you've tried it ;)

waterbucket

28-09-2008, 03:55 PM

Well done to you all.

Tewson Veste

28-09-2008, 04:27 PM

Well Done to all,

I wouldn't want to swim out of the harbour!

Leprechaun

28-09-2008, 07:03 PM

Flying bean goes at 9pm with her three person relay.Should be nice night but will be chilly under a clear sky. They are swimming two hour legs with no feeds in the water of course. Good luck to the team! DoverSwimmer is observing hopefully she will send me some updates.

Thanks for all the support last night, I will post a few pics later I hope.

KatieBun

28-09-2008, 07:25 PM

Leprechaun

29-09-2008, 02:34 PM

Some pics - all from my mobile phone so the quality isnt great.
But they give some idea of what its like. There is one (obvious) one of the girls swimming at night so you can see what it looks like.....dark really!

Leprechaun

29-09-2008, 02:43 PM

Very well done. I think you are barking mad for wanting to swim in the channel in the dark, though!

There isnt really much too it - you have a boat with a big spotlight on it and you just swim along beside it - it couldnt be easier.....once you get the hang of it. Sometimes a little phosphorescence depending on time of year, but all very peaceful, definitely another world. I swam from 8-9pm entirely in the dark and you just align yourself amidships, stretch the arms and off you go. Go with the timing of the waves, go with the flow man..

Some find it terrifying - some always will, but I'd take calm and dark anytime over light and a bit of chop! Sometimes you get the odd fish attracted by the light but they live there, dont they?

Juicy Lucy

29-09-2008, 02:57 PM

... you just align yourself amidships...Some find it terrifying ...Sometimes you get the odd fish attracted by the light...

You make it sound so appealing.

Didn't you forget to mention the jelly fish, diesel fumes from the boat, sea-sickness, etc., etc.

Leprechaun

29-09-2008, 03:02 PM

You make it sound so appealing.

Didn't you forget to mention the jelly fish, diesel fumes from the boat, sea-sickness, etc., etc.

I would have had they had any significant bearing on the day.

Diesel fumes were the only thing encountered and only at the changeover when the pilot accelerated to catch up after taking the exiting swimmer on board.

There arent any jellies other than little toy ones and we saw only one of these in 14 hours. No one was sea sick.

Spidey

29-09-2008, 07:01 PM

Can anyone tell me how the FB team got on - have I missed it?

Dover Swimmer

29-09-2008, 07:23 PM

Spidey I'm sorry to say they aborted their swim just before 6 hours - I would have said earlier but I didn't feel it was my place to say. Their third swimmer (they were doing 2-hour blocks each) was very sick and it was going to be incredibly hard to warm her back up when she couldn't go inside the boat, so FB made a sensible (and very kind-hearted) call to put an end to it and get everyone back home.

JL, I can't tell whether you're a bit of a troll, a natural pessimist or a grumpy sod (or all three?) Why continue to post in OW threads if all you post is doom and gloom and you seem determined not to listen or learn from the real experiences of those who know what it can be really like?

Spidey

29-09-2008, 07:27 PM

That is a shame to read. I hope the swimmer has recovered.

Dover Swimmer

29-09-2008, 09:08 PM

Yes she was fine as soon as she got on dry land - you know what sea sickness is like, it's easily cured by getting on solid land!

2.tso

29-09-2008, 09:13 PM

did the ill swimmer have a history of open water? or was she ill upon getting on the boat ie carrying a bug?

Wildswimmer

29-09-2008, 09:15 PM

Yes she was fine as soon as she got on dry land - you know what sea sickness is like, it's easily cured by getting on solid land!

Yes, I once thought I'd be a smartarse and went out on the Irish Sea in a small fishing boat without taking my pill. Half an hour later the Irish Sea did what it's notorious for: going from mirror smooth to a nasty chop. Anyway I was hanging over the side calling for Bob and Hughie. Fortunately I had my seasick pills with me and an hour after taking one I was eating bacon butties.

Congratulations everyone, and lucky you had your swims when you did. Have you seen the weather forecast for the coming week? :aarrgghh:

Wildswimmer Pete

Dover Swimmer

29-09-2008, 09:29 PM

Yuk - sea sickness is just horrible - when you've got it, you can't imagine ever feeling well again, but once it's gone you can't quite remember how bad you felt! Bit like having a hangover only that's self-induced!

Poor old remaining CHannel hopefuls, then :( What a rubbish season

Dover Swimmer

29-09-2008, 09:31 PM

did the ill swimmer have a history of open water? or was she ill upon getting on the boat ie carrying a bug?

I'm not sure her full history, but she did a solo earlier this season. She wasn't carrying a bug, no, it was definitely sea sickness and perhaps a touch of nerves (although I wouldn't want to speak on her behalf). Her solo was all in the daylight, and they were swimming in the dark yesterday... She was OK for the first two hours on the boat, then got very very sick (couldn't even stand up) and also very cold (couldn't stand to go inside the boat). We hoped she might feel less sick in the water so we could get some fluids into her, but it wasn't to be...if anything she was worse, and got pretty cold in the water.

2.tso

29-09-2008, 09:35 PM

hmmm perhaps she got some water in her its bad salted water makes you really ill, i lasted untill 7 hours on the boat before i threw it all over the side to much amusement of my swimmer who had to deal with 7 hours of screaming and waving she stopped with enough time to feed and say will you sit down and shut up now hahahahah. needless to say i will be having dinner with her in oz in a few weeks funny old world!

Dover Swimmer

29-09-2008, 09:38 PM

I'm not sure it was that to be honest, as I say she started to be ill on the boat before her stint in the water. Who knows! She was so upset and hated to let the team down but as FB said safety (and happiness!) comes first so they called it a day. It was a real shame though!

KatieBun

29-09-2008, 09:39 PM

A great shame for the lady and her co-swimmers but a brave and sensible decision. Bravo FB.

Juicy Lucy

29-09-2008, 10:29 PM

JL, I can't tell whether you're a bit of a troll, a natural pessimist or a grumpy sod (or all three?) Why continue to post in OW threads if all you post is doom and gloom and you seem determined not to listen or learn from the real experiences of those who know what it can be really like?

I'll admit to two out of three!

I wasn't aware that I was posting doom and gloom, and of course I'm always prepared to listen to those who have experience of open water swimming. In fact I am in awe of Leprechaun, who successfully swam across the Channel last year. I know I couldn't face doing it. It made my day when we sat together in a Sheffield restaurant last October and he told me about his swim in detail. I was so pleased for him and his achievement that I went back to my hotel wishing I was an Irishman too.

I have four swimming friends who have completed a channel crossing and another who has attempted it and failed twice. I know how hard they trained for it and how difficult the crossing was. I have the utmost respect for them, that's why I shall continue to post on the OW thread, just like you. I'm asking the OW swimmers to tell those of us who only swim in clear and shallow swimming pools what really happens out at sea.

I want the gory details. I want to know more about people vomiting over themselves and others in the support boat. I want to hear their stories of how the salt water made their throats swell so much that they couldn't eat for days afterwards. I also want to hear about the fear they encountered upon hearing the engines of a tanker approaching in the dark of the night. I'd love to hear about how a giant jellyfish attached itself to a swimmer's face and had to be knocked off with a long stick by the captain of the boat.

I don't want the OW swimmers telling me the water was warm, the swim was comfortable and that their friends supported them enthusiastically. If it's that enjoyable then we could all do it.

2.tso

29-09-2008, 10:33 PM

you will never be an irishman, mind you either will i i kick with the wrong foot (should make the lepper laugh)

Spidey

29-09-2008, 10:34 PM

I don't want the OW swimmers telling me the water was warm, the swim was comfortable and that their friends supported them enthusiastically. If it's that enjoyable then we could all do it.

We do, and also that there are lane markings to follow.

Dover Swimmer

30-09-2008, 10:17 AM

I want the gory details. I want to know more about people vomiting over themselves and others in the support boat. I want to hear their stories of how the salt water made their throats swell so much that they couldn't eat for days afterwards. I also want to hear about the fear they encountered upon hearing the engines of a tanker approaching in the dark of the night. I'd love to hear about how a giant jellyfish attached itself to a swimmer's face and had to be knocked off with a long stick by the captain of the boat.

Well...you might be waiting a long time! It's rarely that dramatic :)

Juicy Lucy

30-09-2008, 11:54 AM

Well...you might be waiting a long time! It's rarely that dramatic :)

You could make it up. It would be a great read.

Leprechaun

30-09-2008, 01:15 PM

You could make it up. It would be a great read.

Better still, come down and swim with us and we'll tell you some good tales afterwards in the pub or beside the west wall in the dock

Dover Swimmer

30-09-2008, 03:30 PM

Or we can put you in touch with some folk who will make anything into a dramatic story ;)

MadHighroller

30-09-2008, 04:30 PM

Awww that was great to read.......... Weldone All......

Amazing.

:)

Leprechaun

03-10-2008, 10:35 AM

Very well done. I think you are barking mad for wanting to swim in the channel in the dark, though!

Here's a night swim for you:

http://hoffyschannelswim.blogspot.com/

[you might have to fiddle with the URL to get the thing to open but it does work]

Video clip from the great Hoffy who was on a two-way attempt but in the end stooped after one way on a fairly tough sea.

2.tso

03-10-2008, 10:52 AM

for those of you not in the know! leppy is looking at a second realy england to france in 1 month! that old bed post of his will start to look like the hills of antrim with all those notches good luck lepper and fb¬

FlyingBean

06-10-2008, 05:15 PM

Sorry for not joining this post earlier - work has been frantic over the last few months and I've not really had the chance to pop into the site.

I was out as an observer on the day that Leppy did his relay and was on Sea Satin which raced Leppy's boat all the way across. The conditions were absolutely wonderful and if Leppy's team was as fun to be with as the team that I was with, it would have been a great day out.

It was a shame that our 3 person didn't work out the way we planned, but as 2.tso says - we're going again with a substitution - Leppy. There were many factors considered before making the final call to abort the swim, but at the end of the day the channel will always be there and safety and wellbeing is paramount. The whole thing was worth it though for an incident with a flying fish (not a flying bean). A sea bass jumped out of the water and landed on the first swimmer had a bit of a wriggle and then jumped back in. That would freak most people out, especially in the dark - but it would choose the one person who had a real phobia about marine life!! It was very funny (from my perspective at least) but I won't repeat what Sam said!

Weather is looking good for Thursday with a start time of somewhere around 4am. Leppy will kick start the event, then I'll take over with our 3rd girl going last. Now I say girl for a reason. The original team name was '3 birds and a boat' and because this is being swum as a re-swim the team name has to stay. Leppy is very kindly becoming a girl for the day - I think Jemima is the chosen name for the occasion.

I'll have email access and text message access on the boat - you can use the email address on my website or pm me if you want any other details.

The really great thing is that the water has had the chance to really cool down since the last attempt. It's gone down 0.9C in the last week and was showing 15.6C at the Sandettie lightship at 9am this morning. But at least it's warmer than the air which was 13.4C. We don't want to be too hot afterall!!

We may not be the fastest crossing of the year, hopefully we won't be the slowest. To my knowledge there have only been 10 successful 3 person relays ever before and this may well be the latest one in the calendar. Not all the results that I have found have shown months (some only years), but those that have were September at the latest.

Fingers crossed for this attempt.

Slid

06-10-2008, 07:01 PM

FB - Was it you who asked about the Channel Wanderers of Bolton

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=A6rzctU7X-A

And here, for the socially callous and the emotionally immature is a real treat:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x38OGIbXF2A&feature=related

EricTheRed

06-10-2008, 08:57 PM

Excellent stuff Slid. The second one is interesting. I am not knocking him for his attempt as I can only imagine how difficult it is. What did strike me as odd was his unique swimming style, especially his kinky left leg kick. I liked the music as well.

Leprechaun

08-10-2008, 11:45 AM

3 Birds on Boat update:

We've been told to be on the boat at 3:45 in the morning

Weather?

Synoptics are GO! - High approaching from SW will be sitting over Dover Straits all day long....
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/surface_pressure.html

Wind is GO! Max 5 kts and lower all day, no real direction to get excited about.

http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/dover_langdon_bay

Tide - GO! Thu 9th 06:06 5.01m H [High water] Neap tide...

Water temp - GO!....15.6C

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=62304&unit=M&tz=STN

Better go feed up and procure rations then.

Not sure where we'll be plotting the course, whether F/B's supporters can do it. We will let you know.

KatieBun

08-10-2008, 11:47 AM

The very best of good fortune to you, FB and your co-swimmer, Leppy. Keep us posted.

Dover Swimmer

08-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Good luck Leppy! I can update this forum if you want to text me? Say hi to the "birds" as well :)

Juicy Lucy

08-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Good luck to Flying Bean and Leprechaun. I'll be with you in spirit. Looks like the weather is brightening up for you. It'll be like millpond, and with the sun on your back it could be your happiest Channel swim ever.

FlyingBean

08-10-2008, 12:20 PM

Unfortunately my technical guru will be at school. If anyone want to volunteer to plot on Google Earth I'd be glad to send co-ordinates through. If not I'll plot it at the end.

Fingers crossed for all the forecasts to be right!!

Highway Star

08-10-2008, 12:32 PM

Good luck guys :)

Slid

08-10-2008, 01:00 PM

Good luck with the weather, FB.

Blaster

08-10-2008, 01:03 PM

Good luck Emma. Pleasure meeting you at Wycombe over the weekend ... hard to believe you are off across the channel only 4 days after.

Tewson Veste

08-10-2008, 01:33 PM

Good Luck to you all.

FlyingBean

08-10-2008, 08:00 PM

Thanks all - off to get some sleep now!!

Spidey

08-10-2008, 10:45 PM

The best of everything, I will not send messages on the day as I wish you to concentate on the swim - I will be thinking of you and I hope my thoughts reach you.

FlyingBean

09-10-2008, 03:52 AM

thanks Spidey.

The birds are off. We started at 0432 from shakespear beach with Leppy being the first in. We're doing 2 hours each.

Air temperature is a bit chilly at the moment, hopefully it will warm up later.

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 05:50 AM

They seem to be making good progress:

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?map=dover

just about to enter the SW shipping lane.. I assume that their escort boat is Suva..

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 05:57 AM

What colour is Suva on the chart? I can't identify it.

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 06:08 AM

Leprechaun

09-10-2008, 06:10 AM

hi all.we are about 1.5nautical miles from the first ship lane.sun rose on last half hour of my leg to convince me its warmer than it seemed.should be warmer later.i think wycombe was choppier esp when efitz was grinding the miles. good day for a strong swimmer to solo! cant think anything better than out here today, you'd wonder what the fuss was all about if you could see it. TSO would still be puking i guess!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 06:11 AM

..Blimey, Nichola must be swimming - there is a vessel recorded as doing 51 knots in the NE shipping lane to the west of Calais - 305001005 Ag - curious name....

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 06:38 AM

..hmmmm

Suva seems to have disappeared from the chart - probably switched off her transponder..

Leppy, if you pick this up, can you give the black box a kick so we can see where you are?

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 06:40 AM

Ah that explains it. Thought it was just me being dense when I still couldn't find them after your description.

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 07:35 AM

8.30 am - update from the leprechaun

Emma has just left the water after a two hour leg. The water is flat calm, like a millpond, but it is cold, very cold (that from a man who laughs in the face of 4 degrees at Tooting...) They have made it into the 1st shipping lane, but not sure why the transponder isn't working...

FlyingBean

09-10-2008, 08:14 AM

oh what a beautiful morning......

It really is a beautiful day out here. Water is almost glassy in appearance.

Interesting how my mental state is very different than the first attempt. This time I loved it and didn't want the swim to end. Last time it seemed like a very long time, and I decided to cancel next year's solo attempt. Might be the difference between light and dark.

Leppy is right - the water is a little chilly. The temperature has dropped by 0.9c since last time and I certainly noticed the difference when I got in.

We're currently just under half way across the 1st shipping lane.

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:14 AM

Ah well done e-fitz! I'm just back from the gym and came on here to put all Leppy's texts on - but you're on it already. Thanks!

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:16 AM

..yellow on my screen - due south of Dover, heading SSE. make sure you select Dover from the pick box, not Dover Port.. the name label is currently partially obscured by a fishing vessel called Viking Princess...

Viking Princess is another Channel pilot boat - must be someone else (or another relay perhaps) out today!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 08:17 AM

...just been corrected by the wee man - apparantly cold, but not very cold! (all relative I suppose) - They are about 1 mile west of the Varne lightship, which suggests a very straight crossing.

He has sent me a marvellous photo, taken a few minutes ago, but I am unable to download it to Swimclub from here - anybody have access to the facility to download and post if I can send it to them?

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 08:24 AM

I'll have a go if there's nobody more technically able, fitz.

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:24 AM

The best way perhaps to find Suva, since that AIS site is tricky to use sometimes, is to put Suva's name in the search box. She will then come up, you can click on her name and hopefully see her position!

Here are my texts from Leppy in case they add anything else to the excellent reporting already going on:

07:01 "I handed over to FB about 1.8nm (nautical miles) from first shipping lane. SUppose that's about 7.something kms. Very calm but not warmest water after 2hrs! x"

08:01 "time flies when waiting on boat but not when swimming! no drift at all. straight out from Shakey beach. as mike would say where r u?!!"

08:29 "pilot neil with adrian (this as response to my asking who's on board). bob the ex mayor observing. FB about to come out, changeover is 32 mins past the hour"

08:39 "FB out sam in. entered SW lane at 0800. dodging ships or them us. we still SW of Varne, NO drift.x"

08:41 "Last transition 51* 01.116/001.20.937"

THere followed a series of pretty pictures with captions "can see for miles!" and "now even calmer"

It really does look like a millpond out there - no doubt water/air temp is low but the swimmers have 4 hours in between swims to dry, warm and get food and drinks inside them so I'm sure it's all good!

Go ladies (and Jim ;) )

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:29 AM

Sounds as if there are two or three (that we know of!) solo swims out today as well - Sea Satin, Viking Princess. Some started 5pm ish last night.

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:42 AM

I've just received a beautiful picture of Leppy's fizzog with a big ship in the background "large wake in near future, that ship far bigger now as we approach separation zone"

For those unaware, the channel is divided into 5 "strips"...going England to France they go:

English inshore waters
SW shipping lane (vessels using it as a lane - rather than crossing it as Channel swim boats will - have to go...SW!)
Separation zone (bit like the central reservation on a motorway - but wider)
NE lane
French inshore water

They're not all of equal size, and indeed they change size slightly depending on where exactly you cross them. And just because the sep zone is roughly 1/2way across, it doesn't mean if someone crossed it at about 7 hours they are on for a 14 hour swim!!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 08:43 AM

I'll have a go if there's nobody more technically able, fitz.

...see pm..

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 08:52 AM

Freda Streeter, the "Channel General" has just posted on our chat group "it seems this is the day we have been waiting for all Summer"

Now you KNOW it's a good day out there!

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 08:58 AM

Am emailing photos to PC from blackberry but it's taking an age.

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 09:06 AM

I am now trying it as a jpg.If anybody is more techy than me, you're welcome to try this! Husband now late for his meeting and leaving me to it!:aarrgghh:

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 09:09 AM

If I had a way to get them from my phone to my laptop, I'd then host them on photobucket and post the URL...but I haven't got a USB cable or bluetooth.

Stewpot

09-10-2008, 09:18 AM

Sounds great, go team!!!!!

kate you have PM

Good luck everyone

Cheers

Stew

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 09:23 AM

Leppy getting ready to go back in - am jealous! Would much much rather be out there than at my desk in land-locked berkshire!

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 09:34 AM

Fingers crossed

Stewpot

09-10-2008, 09:35 AM

beautiful *deep sigh*

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 09:35 AM

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 09:53 AM

Doubt it, since Leppy's a fella! :D

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 10:01 AM

Nah, not for this one he isn't! For this race, Jemima (Puddleduck's the surname) is making a special appearance as Jim gets in touch with his feminine side.

He'll never live it down, but I can't wait to see the pics of him in his pink cossie!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 10:02 AM

Check www.emma2france.com (http://www.emma2france.com) to find another link that shows the boats. Try http://www.tierathlon.de/channelboats.htm and then click on Suva (near the bottom) to see a tracked view of where they are now and where they're heading.

Oooo, I'm so excited! Will this be the quickest 3-woman swim EVER?

...the tracked view is still only showing Suva's last recorded position at 06.52 BST, they will have moved on since then...

DS, have you had any futher updates?

The photo above was taken just after 8.30 this morning when they had been going for 4 hours and the 3rd swimmer had just started - you can make out the Varne lightship to the SE....

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 10:17 AM

I know that, Getting Faster, but I'm still not sure it would qualify as an all-female relay if it was a record - too many people know that Jim's a him!

e-fitz (helloooooo! :) ) - Freda says they've "just swam over the Varne" (not literally we assume) and LEppy said they were just approaching the separation zone when he was in for his stint....so well within it now I'd have thought.

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 10:31 AM

Hi DS!!! Are you keeping well?

Freda could be spot on, the Varne is the shallows that give their name to the light vessel, so I would expect them to swim over them, if they were passing to the west of the ship.

I wish I were out there, looks sooooooo much nicer than being stuck in the office....

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 10:38 AM

The `Varne Bank` is a five and three quarter mile long sand bank in the Dover Straits, lying nine miles southwest of Dover in Kent, England. Lying almost in the middle of the south/west international traffic English-side channel of the English Channel, the Varne Bank is a constant concern for both Her Majesty's Coastguard and shipping. Due to its heightened risk, there is still a Trinity House manned Lightvessel placed on the Varne Bank which provides a useful landmark (watermark?) for those foolish enough to try swimming to France.....

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 10:50 AM

Very well thanks - hope you are too! :)

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 10:53 AM

So is there any other way to track what they're up to? I know Jim had some fancy trickery set up for his solo crossing that showed what looked like pins in a board, is there anything of that nature we can keep an eye on, or do I just have to keep this page open and refresh every 5 mins in case someone's posted some updates...?

SO glad the weather's so good for them.

Stewpot

09-10-2008, 12:43 PM

Its almost been 2 hours and the suspense is killing me....any news? what's the update?

Cheers

Stew

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 12:53 PM

Stewpot that would be because each swimmer is doing 2 hours and Leppy last texted me as he was about to get in (!)

Latest:

N50* 55.190/E001. 32.166 and 3.51nm to the Cap. Sam to finish on her leg for sub-12 hours and leave me warm n dry? Oui oui oui!

Let's wait and see - I'm sure Leppy will tell me as soon as they do finish - but it should be noted here that just cos they are 3.51nm from the Cap, it doesn't mean they only have 3.51nm left to swim - it could do, but it's unlikely. I hope they do land on the cap though! That would be cooool!

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 12:55 PM

Getting FAster you can plot the co-ordinates I've been posting here into Google Earth or similar if you want, although I appreciate that there aren't many co-ords to work with!

I would just go with "kind of nearly there, nicely lined up for the Cap but still over 3 miles to go so don't get the champagne out of the fridge yet"

It could be another few hours but on such a nice day with no drift let's hope not!

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 12:56 PM

Excellent progress. Thanks DS.

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 01:07 PM

Just had a text from Jemima at 2pm:
"The bean is flying!
Swimming metronomically beautifully and we less than 3nm off cap gris nez."

I asked when he thinks they'll finish, the reply:
"Hoping to see next leg finish it so that's sub 12 hrs. Fantastic if we can do it!"

Fingers crossed, everyone, they're nearly there!

Stewpot

09-10-2008, 01:13 PM

Excellent, thanks for the update DS :)

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 01:14 PM

Just had a text from Jemima at 2pm:
"The bean is flying!
Swimming metronomically beautifully and we less than 3nm off cap gris nez."

He also sent a picture, but I don't know how to get it off my phone (will investigate) but wanted to post news first. Will update when I figure it out...

Sounds brill, GF! It took me ages to work out the phone thing but I think I've got it now. I've finally learnt how to connect the sodding blackberry to the PC! Necessity made me fight my technophobia!

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 01:15 PM

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 01:24 PM

Scroll up, KB, got the picture there now.

I asked when he thinks they'll finish, the reply:
"Hoping to see next leg finish it so that's sub 12 hrs. Fantastic if we can do it!"

Fingers crossed, everyone, they're nearly there!

Superb piccy. Thanks GF. French coast clearly in sight. It looks really tempting.....but it's c-c-c-c-c-cold. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!:zip:

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 01:27 PM

No probs, everyone!

I think the "hoping" in "hoping to see next leg finish it" is partly down to Leppy being warm and dry and wanting to stay that way - tee hee!

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 01:38 PM

Remind me, what order did they swim? Jemima, Sam, Emma? or Sam, Emma, Jemima?

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 01:44 PM

Jemima, FB, Sam.

News just in: Leppy/Jemima says FB just out, Sam just in and he thinks Sam will land it. They are still on route for the Cap.

When I said earlier that I wasn't sure Sam would land it, that was cos I thought Sam was in at that point and Leppy was in next! Sozzer!

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 01:45 PM

I think that order's correct, anyway?!

Leprechaun

09-10-2008, 01:51 PM

hi all.lovely sight, lighthouse straight ahead and not moving left to right!. still aiming right on the cap DS. just no tidal movement no wind either so think it can be straight in.of course we wont know till we get on the rocks, hopefully neil will let us all swim in with sam. best day out here all year and we're the lucky ones to be here.can now see the white wave crests as they break on beach. i hv positions n will plot later. thanks for so many messages of support everyone!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 01:54 PM

Yes, I think that was the order - Jem led off from the beach, then the Bean started flying and finally Sam....

looks like they are nearly there....

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 01:59 PM

Text from Emma. One very happy lady.
" It looks very close now. Sam who's in now might finish it. We're headed straight for the cap at the moment. Pleased with that last swim. Lovely day out."

How lovely to read something so happy and positive.

Are they all allowed to get in to finish it, as long as they stay behind the one doing the relay leg? Leppy? Who's going to photograph you all doing that?

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 02:18 PM

Another text:

"About 1.5nm, that's 2700m approx. We will all swim in."

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 02:21 PM

Excellent. Great piccy.

Damn, I have to go and teach. Don't like to tempt providence but I think I'm safe in saying Extremely Well Done to 3 Birds and a Boat.:cheers:

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 02:22 PM

I think we'll need to get them some wings, don't you?

Blaster

09-10-2008, 02:25 PM

Great to be following this. 2.7km a mere stroll in the park for these guys

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 02:26 PM

Another text from Leppy:
"They will say a solo is better feeling. Actually it's not when you get to this point. Every dompletion is special and i will shed a tear as we swim in!"

And we'll be sobbing with you, Leppy, FlyingBean and Sam, we'll be sobbing with you.

I'm so proud of you all (not that I have any justification for being proud, but you get what I mean).

Brazils, pecans, pistachios, almonds, hazels, Leppy, FB, take you're pick - they're all nuts!

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 02:29 PM

And another text (don't know what's got into the boy!)

"Less than one nm to go. We have la Sirene restaurant ahead as avoiding other small boats. Do we feed Sam or tell her to pull finger out? Looks like we'll do both!"

(Got to go into a meeting, so won't be able to post any other texts, but you get the idea, he's getting excited as well!)

FlyingBean

09-10-2008, 02:30 PM

We're just under 1nm off the cap now - you can almost taste the frogs legs!!

Sam has just over an hour to go on her leg so it'll be close, but she may land it, which would make it around 12 hours.

As it's daylight and calm, we'll be able to follow the final swimmer in to the rocks. I'll take my waterproof camera with me, just a shame that there'll be no French folk walking their dogs in that area to take a photo of us.

Wish you were all here to enjoy it too.

I believe that this has only been done 10 times before (no idea why so few) but looking good to be number 11.

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 02:30 PM

Yes Katie they are allowed to do that, assuming that pilot or observer dont' think it is dangerous to do so for any reason. Should be fine as it is in daylight.

Leppy says:

less than one nm to go, we have la sirene restaurant straight ahead. as avoiding other small boats, do we feed sam or tell her to pull finger out? looks like we'll do both!

(La Sirene is the restaurant on the Cap. if you land there you get a beer! not sure if relays have to share one between all swimmers?! hope they serve Guinness!!)

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 03:20 PM

They've finished in a fabulous time of 11 hrs 30 mins! all back on board now and heading back to Dover

Well done all swimmers and crew!

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 03:20 PM

Another text (got told off in meeting for not turning phone off!):

"Wha'ts French for "take your pedalo out of our way you d******ds!" Small boat ahoy maybe not padealo but still got frogs in it.

GettingFaster

09-10-2008, 03:25 PM

Well done all!

FlyingBean

09-10-2008, 03:34 PM

What a fantastic mini break. The time of 11 hrs 30 mins is the 4th fastest 3 person relay - result.

We're going to see a swimmer called Ros now. She is doing a solo and has now been going for 23.5 hours and has 2 miles to go. She is awesome. She is a paraplegic and I can't even imagine how she has done what she has already. Go Roz!!

Highway Star

09-10-2008, 03:36 PM

Brilliant stuff - well done to you all, a fantastic achievement and massive respect.

Roz sounds incredible, hope she makes it.

Simon

Tewson Veste

09-10-2008, 03:44 PM

This has been keeping me entertained most of the day.

Congratulations to you all. I am very very impressed!

e-fitz

09-10-2008, 03:51 PM

Congratulations all.... hope Leppy donned the green hat and broke open the Guinness and Champers once you were all safely back in the boat....

Did you manage to obtain any shrimp soup?

I'm very envious of your day away from the office!

Juicy Lucy

09-10-2008, 03:53 PM

I am very very impressed!
I'm more than impressed with Flying Bean. After the marathon swim at High Wycombe she should be resting, not doing a Channel swim.

Don't know how you do it, FB. Makes me exhausted just thinking about it. What a week you're having!

Stewpot

09-10-2008, 03:54 PM

Fantastic, congratulation everyone. Such exciting reading all day! Doesn't it just make you want to jump in and go swimming!!!

Cheers

Stew..x

missjackiechan

09-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Fantastic following the progress...sounds amazing and dare I say it even...tempting!..well done FB..this must be the most miles swam in a week for you surely?

3 birds in a boat fab for 3rd fastest relay :wave:

LAZy

09-10-2008, 04:06 PM

Brilliant FB and all involved..

great to watch unfold.:wave:

Highway Star

09-10-2008, 04:33 PM

sounds amazing and dare I say it even...tempting

Does, doesn't it? Especially with the photos, particularly the first one on this thread from today.

Well, maybe tempting for just a relay. ;)

Dover Swimmer

09-10-2008, 04:36 PM

Just bear in mind that days like today are few and far between - and that, if it's a tide dominated by bad weather, pilots will take relays out in worse weather than they'd take a solo out in! ;)

KatieBun

09-10-2008, 04:48 PM

Many congratulations you amazing people! Fantastic achievement!

Benno

09-10-2008, 05:49 PM

Congratulations everyone!

Speedy Gonzalez

09-10-2008, 07:47 PM

Awesome swimming! What a team!

Spidey

09-10-2008, 10:21 PM

Congratulations - you crazy amaizing fools.

Wildswimmer

10-10-2008, 08:21 AM

Congratulations - wish I could do it. :cry:

Wildswimmer Pete

Leprechaun

10-10-2008, 08:32 AM

Just bear in mind that days like today are few and far between - and that, if it's a tide dominated by bad weather, pilots will take relays out in worse weather than they'd take a solo out in! ;)

Wise words from the most experienced of the lot here!

Yesterday would have seen record times challenged if the tidal and climatic conditions had occurred in June. When FB has posted the route you'll see how striaght we were. Whoever runs tides hadnt read his book. The flag on the stern only lifted once for about 30 mins (I was watching it as I swam).

In fact its the time on deck that seems to do for most people on a relay rather than time in the water.

Taking the anti-seasick pills is highly recommended IMHO and works for me - even yesterday I had them and a refill half way. It can be a bit wild out there for sure and even the best pilots cant predict the rate things may change at compared to the forecasts. So you cant really sit basking on deck.

But dont let me dampen the enthusiasm - you'll still have a fantastic time out.

Yog-Sothoth

10-10-2008, 08:49 AM

Congratulations - wish I could do it. :cry:

Wildswimmer Pete

Me too - fancy a midwinter relay in single digit sea temps?! :clear:

Slid

10-10-2008, 09:15 AM

For Flying Bean et al - Congratulations from me and from the Channel Wanderers of Bolton.

Dover Swimmer

10-10-2008, 09:16 AM

Well done buddy, so glad for you (and FB of course!) that it was a good day - and what a fantastic time!!! Wowsers!

FlyingBean

10-10-2008, 09:52 AM

It really was a great day in so many ways, great conditions (a tad chilly), great company and a fantastic pilot, crew and observer. It makes it sound so easy and very tempting and if our experience encourages someone else to venture out then that is fantastic.

As DS and Leppy have pointed out, it's not normally like this. I only have to think back 9 days when did our first attempt at this to see this. We still had great conditions, but had to abort due to one of our swimmers (an experienced solo swimmer) being too sick to carry on. That was £2k gone without even seeing any daylight on the swim. The other reason I always feel great after a swim like this is that it means that the training is finally over - the training is definitely the worst bit!!

I hope some of you do go on to do a standard relay. I'll see you in Dover. The only requirements, apart from the cash, are a medical and a 2 hour qualifying swim in water of 16c or lower.

Spidey

10-10-2008, 10:54 PM

FB, are you posting the route?

FlyingBean

11-10-2008, 09:26 AM

FB, are you posting the route?
Slight technical hitch with 2 of the coordinates - they're clearly not right. This is the route as calculated by Leppy. You can just about see the tide changes, but as you can see there really wasn't much of a tide at all.

I came back to Dover from London yesterday and from the train I could see white horse in the channel. We really were exceptionally lucky to grab what was a brilliant and very short window of opportunity.

Spidey

11-10-2008, 09:46 AM

Slight technical hitch with 2 of the coordinates - they're clearly not right. This is the route as calculated by Leppy. You can just about see the tide changes, but as you can see there really wasn't much of a tide at all.

I came back to Dover from London yesterday and from the train I could see white horse in the channel. We really were exceptionally lucky to grab what was a brilliant and very short window of opportunity.

Was the horse attempting the crossing?

FlyingBean

11-10-2008, 05:56 PM

If he was he was going the wrong way with all his mates!!

Juicy Lucy

12-10-2008, 10:44 AM

.... but as you can see there really wasn't much of a tide at all.... We really were exceptionally lucky to grab what was a brilliant and very short window of opportunity.

Luck didn't come into it, FB. It appears the resident SwimClub weather forecaster was on the ball in giving this info before your swim:

It'll be like millpond, and with the sun on your back it could be your happiest Channel swim ever.

FlyingBean

13-10-2008, 07:48 AM

Very true!!! If you can predict similar conditions for my solo next year I'll be forever in your debt!!

I think the lack of tide took everyone by surprise including our very experienced pilot.

KatieBun

13-10-2008, 07:59 AM

Have just been reading your report FB. Brilliant. So very sad for Ros that she got so close but I imagine they left her in for as long as humanly possible. Do you think she will give it another go next year?

mpfmark

13-10-2008, 09:47 AM

well done three birds and a boat and happy birthday leppy

mpfmark

13-10-2008, 09:48 AM

weird course...no drift at all

Leprechaun

13-10-2008, 10:25 AM

weird course...no drift at all

Thanks Mark.

Weird? No way, glorious yes! I think you call it "weird" when it wasnt your own course. I think we used the word amazing several times in the first 6 hours when we reallised we hadnt moved any distance laterally from Shakespeare beach.

As I mentioned on the PM, this is not the first time either. The common factor is me plus FB in a relay. 2005 Aug Bank Hol - it was even straighter that the plot we have just produced.

Not sure if its me interfering with the moon, or FB doing something, but two accountants in opposition with the moon and the tides? Perhaps the August 2005 swim was straighter as efitz is also an accountant and the crew were bookkeepers.

I suppose FB and I should offer ourselves as supporting weather-calmers for any swims next year!

mpfmark

13-10-2008, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the pm..ok amazing it is...yes I def think your influence may be in demand, maybe I am in the wrong job, on a slightly different not, it is the latest ever relay, I know Kevin is still waiting to go, maybe it will be another record ie later that the 28th..not sure yet as I know he has had a bad chest, if anyone can he can. and to think he first swam it the year I was born! wow

Leprechaun

13-10-2008, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the pm..ok amazing it is...yes I def think your influence may be in demand, maybe I am in the wrong job, on a slightly different not, it is the latest ever relay,

Hey FB? - I like it - fame at last.
"Not the daftest nor the fastest but the lastest!!"

I know Kevin is still waiting to go, maybe it will be another record ie later that the 28th..not sure yet as I know he has had a bad chest, if anyone can he can. and to think he first swam it the year I was born! wow

God knows what he has got caught up in the hairs on that chest, probably a dead seal. Seriously though hope he gets well and goes soon. 14/15 is well within his capabilities

I wonder will this next crossing make him King of the Channel then :devil: Its a bit like "how far has the ball to be over the line to be a goal for heavens sake!!"

mpfmark

13-10-2008, 06:39 PM

sorry my mistake bit of a typo, I was meaning to ask : is it the latest?
Kevin had a chest infection, being that he is already king and a lifetime csa ltd member to boot he should be automatically recognised by them, if he does this one too or even next year he will be beyond reach, will they accept it? who knows but i doubt it, mr read will have to be taken to court I fear for him to accept reality
Mark

Leprechaun

13-10-2008, 07:57 PM