Carmen smashes the Channel!

Congratulations to Master’s swimmer Carmen Somerset for smashing the Channel!

On 15 July 2024 at around 04.15, Carmen set off from under the cliffs between Folkestone and Dover accompanied by the pilot boat ‘Optimist’ on her solo attempt to swim the Channel. That evening, she successfully landed in France, with a swim time of 14 hours 37 minutes

The swim was the culmination of years of training – regular pool sessions, year round sea swimming and ‘warm up’ swims including the length of Loch Ness and Windermere.

Channel swimming is ridiculously hard: many more people have climbed Everest than swam to France. There are strict rules around the swim. Swimmers have to wear ‘normal’ swim suits – no racing suits and no wetsuits or anything else that could provide warmth – not even a second hat. Food and drink has to be taken in the water, without touching the pilot boat – its passed to them on a long pole.

But the challenge is part of the attraction, and Cannel swimming has a long and proud tradition in the Club. Many past and present members have managed solo crossings or participated in relays. Vice President Mike Read held the title of King of the Channel for more than 20 years – with 33 solo crossings to his name.

We’re expecting more members to make attempts later this season – we’ll keep you posted!

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