English Channel Relay - Expression of Interest - 7/6/26
What?
I (Andy) would like to organise a Winsford ASC Channel Relay Team for a Relay in 2027!
Why?
I believe Crossing the Channel would give each of the swimmers huge amounts of confidence in themselves and their ability to conquer any challenges that life throws at them. That’s my main belief and why I’d like to organise this.
It will, of course, also create lifelong bonds of friendship between the swimmers and their support teams, foster great team work, etc, etc.. Who knows … if this goes well, maybe we’ll try to make it an every 2 year event?!
For the record I swam the English Channel solo in 2017 and it was a cracking adventure with so many incredible memories and friendships built from the start of training to completing the swim itself. It was while I was training in Dover harbour that I encountered and was inspired by a pod of 12-14 year olds from Flitwick Dolphins SC who subsequently swam the English Channel in a relay.
How?
A standard relay team is 6 swimmers, but there is some wiggle room (depending on the Pilots boat size). Each swimmer must swim for 60 minutes before a teammate enters the water behind them and takes over. The swimmer in the water sets the pace and the pilot boat alongside sets the direction and manages the navigation and shipping.
Just to be clear - the ability of our swimmers to swim continuously for an hour isn’t in any doubt and, depending on the conditions, (choppiness of the water) I fully expect a Juggernaut relay to be able to cross in 8-12 hours - most likely around 9 hours.
It will require:
- Swimming at temperatures of 15-17oC without a wetsuit (just normal pool swimming attire).
- Swimming for long periods in seawater (it chafes and can be wavier than Brio).
- Swimming at night (for some - nearly always the start).
- Being resilient if stung by a jellyfish or having to halt and tread water for 10 mins to let a ship pass.
- A qualifying swim.
- A medical.
- Being able to wait for a window in the weather in case the pilot decides it isn’t safe
What’s a Qualifying Swim?
The CS&PF (Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation) sets this for relay swimmers as 90mins in fresh or salt water of 16oC or less, followed by no less than 60mins and no more than 90mins out of the water before reentering and swimming for a further 60mins.
The CSA (Channel Swimming Association) sets it at 120mins at 15.5oC or less.
(If you’re curious to know, a solo swimmer swims for 6 hours at those temperatures to qualify)
What’s the Cost?
Swimming the English Channel as a relay team typically costs between £800 and £1,200 per person, depending on the pilot, organization (CSA or CS&PF), and any fundraising requirements (some charities discount the costs if you are fundraising above a minimum amount). As of now the costs are:
Pilot and Boat Fees: Roughly £3,000 - £4,000 for a one-way relay.
Registration/Admin Fees: CS&PF fees total around £600 for a 6-person relay.
Then there are the fees for the medical, plus transportation and hotel costs to consider as well as some minor items like strobe lights to wear in the water.
Is there a Deposit?
Yes, details will follow shortly. As an example booking the pilot will require us to pay them a non-refundable deposit in the order of £1,500–£2,000. Details will follow once we know the level and numbers interested. – we might need to put two teams out.
Names and swimming orders are not required by the Associations until mid April which gives a fair amount of leeway to swap with someone if you suddenly needed to relocate to Patagonia
Who will this be open to?
At present we will limit this to Juggernauts and our University Swimmers
Is it Safe?
It’s open water swimming, the training will involve a lot of shivering, and there are ships in the Channel (which is why swims must be with a registered Pilot), so it isn’t completely without risk, but I wouldn’t be proposing this if I believed it was risky!
I will look to organize a Q&A session for parents and swimmers very shortly.
How do I Express my Interest?
To express your interest please contact clubsecwasc@gmail.com
Any Questions?
If you have any questions either email them to clubsecwasc@gmail.com or speak to Andy
Thank you
Coach Andy and the Coaching Team
