Danielle Wahl - Successful Solo Channel Swim: 9hr 49mins - Friday 5th July 2013

Pilots report by Stuart Gleeson:

0700 - CSA Official observer Giovanna Richards (G) arrives.

0730 - Swimmer Danielle Wahl arrives with brother, dad & coach. I introduce my crewman  

            Gary to everyone & give a safety briefing, G follows on with the official observers

            brief.

0800 - On our way to Samphire Hoe.

0820 - Danielle climbs off the boat & swims ashore.

0824 - swim starts.

0849 - G notes Danielles stroke rate to be 55 per minute.

0853 - Report to Coastguard giving details of swim number & usual information.

0915 - first feed.

0924 - 2 miles done.

0941 - large amount of jellyfish on Port Side.

1000 - feed, Danielle says she is cold. England becoming obscured by mist.

1015 - 2 miles from SW lane. This swimmer is looking like she may be on for a fast crossing. 1030 - Danielle comments on seeing a dolphin.

1044 - feed.

1127 - feed

1129 - I inform Dover Coastguard that we are entering SW Lane.

1155 - swimmer asks for painkiller.  

1210 - now level with Anastasia & Optimist who started earlier.

1224 - feed.

1303 - feed.

1330 - jellyfish, swimmer concerned.

1333 - feed & encouragement.

1335 - jellyfish, swimmer concerned.

1345 - swimmer stung by jellyfish, swaps to starboard side.

1346 - I inform Dover Coastguard as we leave SW lane.

1355 - swimmer complains of pain from sting.

1404 - feed.

1425 - more jellyfish. I inform Gris Nez Traffic as we enter the NE Lane.

1432 - feed.

1459 - feed.

1600 - feed.

1615 - G has noticed Danielles stroke rate has increased.

1625 - brief stop for jellyfish.

1630 - feed. I inform Gris Nez Traffic as we exit the NE Lane into French Inshore Waters.

1645 - backstroke for costume adjustment. Push on with tide.

1654 - feed. Good spirits.

1710 - curious seal spotted close to the boat.

1730 - feed.

1803 - Just passed the Cap. Gary readies the punt.

1810 - Danielle swims in to large rocks, family excited.

1814 - swim complete 9hr 49mins. This is the fastest swimmer I have escorted.

1816 - Danielle back on board. Congratulations all round. Everyone is happy. We return to Dover.

 

Well done Danielle. Despite having the unpleasantness of swimming through lots of jellyfish you remained focused & pushed on to succeed. Excellent support from family & coach always helps. Hope to see you again soon.