Sea Frogs Relay Team, 20th August 2011

Report by Stuart Gleeson.

I met Sea Frogs relay team at 715pm on Saturday 20th August 2011. After boarding the boat and getting all their kit in sensible places I took Sea Leopard out of Dover Harbour whilst my crewman Stewart Richardson give the usual talk on safety proceedures and CSA Observer Steve Franks reminded the team of the rules and filled out the paperwork. High winds were forecast for the following day, so starting on the ebb tide to avoid them seemed sensible.

We reached the beach at five to eight, Claire Hunter starting off. A good few people on the beach to greet her. Steve blew his whistle at 758pm and confirmed the time with me as the swim began. No wind, sea flat with warm sea measured at 16.2oC.

Kate Stone was in next, followed by Kate Forey. Early stop to adjust goggles - always a concern when swimmers play with goggles as it sometimes gives an indication that they are struggling - but not in the first few minutes! Kate F carried on without any further stops.

Alan Wood took over from Kate F, swimming away from the boat quite often. The team blew whistles to attact his attention, but apparently he had ear plugs in. Jonathon Ebsworth swimming at number 5 tended to get too close. If a swimmer stays between 3 and 5 metres from the boat and looks at the bow, when I adjust position they can too. If I'm having to stop or reposition to compensate for a swimmer going in the wrong direction then we are losing ground and it adds time onto the end of the swim.

Just before 1am Maria Staveley took over swimming a mixture of front crawl and breast stroke.

On entering the SW shipping lane, my attention is focused upon keeping the swimmer close and the dangers of approaching ships. We are travelling at less than 2 knots, whilst the big ships are coming at us at anything up to 25knots. Stewart and I keep an eye on things. Dover Coastguard information broadcasts regularly warn shipping of our presence in the Channel and our limited ability to manouevre, and we listen out for things like tugs with long tows, especially the length. At night this is particularly important, as it would be catastrophic to get in between the two. This is exactly what is happening ahead of us with the tow lit with searchlights. Some ships have the bare minimum of lights showing.

Moonlight Venture, a tanker some 214m in length closely followed by CMA CGM Thalassa which is 347m long are two of the ships that took some careful piloting and communication with their skippers. Thalassa going 23 knots with limited room to manouovre due to her draught. The AIS gives us (and the coastguard) information on position and the details of the ship, those interested in finding out what ships were in the Channel on the day of their swim can visit http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?map=dover and use the history button to alter the time and day to suit.

Swimmers have to make progress against the tide for a swim to be successful, this is not an easy thing to tell them when they feel they are working hard. On this swim the wind picked up and consequently the waves got a bit higher. Sometimes all they need is some encouragement and Stewart has proved to be good at this over the season.

The swimmers rotate every hour, for me there is plenty to do with ferries and shipping to watch and the course to keep. North East lane is under French Juristiction, so Gris Nez Traffic warns ships of our presence and occasionally calls up individuals to alert them of our position. Some of the swimmers get seasick, especially when the wind gets up.

Around 1120am the team had a discussion about stopping the swim. With some suffering from seasickness and a few others not wanting to swim again they decide not to carry on. Alan is in the water, they call him to the side and he agrees and climbs back onboard at 1132am, Steve Franks notes the time as 15hours 34minutes. We are about 6 nautical miles off Cap Gris Nez, but assuming the team could continue making good progress it would be more like 10 to go.

Well done Sea Frogs for a good effort. Hope to see you again in the future.

Sea Frogs relay team have their own webpage which can be viewed https://riaseafrogs.wordpress.com/sea-frogs-relay-team-2/ and also made their own report of the swim which can be viewed here: https://riaseafrogs.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/saturday-20-august-2011/

Safe Hands Swimmers - Successful Channel Relay Swim,15th September 2011

It was an unexpected call to ask if I would be available to accompany a trip with Stuart Gleeson on Thursday. My preparations for my own adventure were advanced enough to allow a days interruption – Winter Coastal Endurance – living in a tent for 6 months to raise money for Army charities.

Accordingly I was then contacted to determine a start time – meet at Dover Marina for 0130hrs.

Met Stuart Gleeson the pilot – we’ve met before – and his crew Stewart Richardson. Relay team arrived a few minutes later. They loaded their equipment on board and got themselves ready. Stewart Richardson gave a safety talk about lifejackets, radios, what to do in an emergency etc.

The team are a group of Midwives, raising money for a charity.

Sarah Coates, the first swimmer got ready as boat travelled to Sanfire Hoe, the start point. There were three boats with swimmers starting around the same time – Viking Princess and Louis Jane.  Every hour there is information to record – stroke rate of swimmer, temperature, wind force & direction, flow of tide and height of waves. Also the position of the boat – latitude and longtitude – and a record of what the swimmer(s) eat/drink during their crossing.

Sarah entered the water and swam to the small beach at Samfire Hoe, Stewart Richardson shone a light ashore. When she had cleared the water and signalled ready, the swim started officially and Sarah began the swim to France at 0245hrs. The team are enthusiastic but obviously a little apprehensive. Jen Hamilton gets ready next and takes over from Sarah at 0345hrs. Sarah is helped on board and dries off.

It’s still dark at 0445hrs when Paula Strange enters the water and takes over from Jen. We are 1.5 miles off the shipping lane. During her swim Paula was sick but carried on her swim. At the change over to fourth swimmer Vicky Woodlands - 0545hrs - we enter the South West Shipping lane.

Edjan gas tanker appears to be on a course too close so Stuart gets Vicky to treadwater for four minutes to let it pass.

0645hrs. Stacy Morgan is the fifth swimmer – the changeover is the best so far – the team is getting more organised. We see a number of ships in the South West lane during our passage. It is hard to get the names of most of them, but a check on the ship AIS website shows that Edjan was in a steady stream of traffic that passed us: General Cargo ship Julia; General Cargo ship Emsbroker; Container ship CCNI Atlantico; Cargo Ship M.V. Calibria; Tanker Anna Victoria; Vehicle Carrier London Highway; Container Ship Cap Gabriel; Container Ship Rio Del La Plata.

0745hrs. Kerensa Davies is swimmer number six. We still have 1.1 miles to go to clear this shipping lane to enter the seperation zone. Kerensa was sick, but carried on.

0845hrs. Sea State is calm with slight waves. Ripple at height 0.5 metres. 6^th and 7^th swimmer – Jill O’Dwyer – change over. Just past the North Ridge bouy in the Seperation Zone.

0945hrs. Sarah takes over from Jill. Stuart had to hold Sarah for a minute of treading water due to two French trawlers out of Boulogne crossing our path.

1045hrs. Jen is in again. Sarah said she felt a lot better this time around and enjoyed it. This is despite being stung by a small jellyfish.

The team has settled down now and are enjoying the swim.

1145hrs. Paula in again. Sick again, but carries on.

1245hrs. Vicky Woodlands in for second swim. Now in the North East Lane. Lots of ships pass us in the next few hours: Tanker New Breeze; General Cargo ship Hendrik – S; General Cargo Ship Romi; Tanker Maesk Rosyth; General Cargo ship Baccara; Container ship Montreal Express; General Cargo Ship Fehn Coral; Cargo Bulker Cape Veni; Tanker Dutch Mate; Vehicle Carrier Gran Canaria; General Cargo ship Sardinia. We have to alter course to avoid Sardinia, which is a hundred metres long. Not the biggest of the ships that pass us, but certainly not one we would like to get too close to. Those interested in seeing more detail of these ships can visit the website: http://www.shipais.com/photos/

1345hrs. Stacy Morgan enters the water, taking over from Vicky. Hourly checks show that the water temperature has dropped by a degree and a half. This is likely due to our position over the deepest part of the Channel. Recent research and investigations have discovered that the deepest part of the English Channel was once a river bed and that the surrounding area was inhabited, sometime before the last ice age. For swimmers this means that on the change of the tide – in Vicky’s case from Ebb to Flood – the flow of water travelling along this deeper part can be stirred up by the large propellers of the passing ships and high speed ferries resulting in a variation of sea temperature.

1445hrs. Kerensa takes over from Stacy. There has been a break in the traffic for half an hour now, which is welcome. Our passage through the North East Lane so far has been quite busy.

1545hrs. Jill takes over from Kerensa. France is closer now of course, the team can see progress and are happy in their efforts.

1645hrs. It is Sarah’s turn to swim again, surely her last rotation. Pilot discusses our position and the likelihood that we might get taken around the Cape (Cap Gris Nez) towards Boulogne depending on the strength of tidal flow and the speed of the swimmer(s) in the last few hours.

1745hrs. Jens turn in. There is a possibility that we Jen might land the team, but she will have to swim hard. Paula, who has been sick on both her swims may be hoping that Jen does indeed land – but it is hard to tell because in relays it is always good to be the person who finishes for the team. Stuart is making preparations with Stewart for the finish – the small boat is pulled closer and the engine is started.

1845hrs. Close, but not close enough. Paula enters the water and takes over. It is a short swim to the rocks, deceptively close but it still takes twenty minutes to cover the distance and clear the rocks.

At 1905, seventeen hours and twenty minutes after Sarah Coates started the journey, Paula Strange lands in France.

Back on board it is a happy occasion as Paula dries off and changes. There has been a few hard moments for the team, but wind, tide, shipping and the two French trawlers did not manage to thwart the efforts of these remarkable ladies. Well done.

The full set of photos for this swim can be viewed on http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150220141981230.312744.673111229&l=79c5a6693b&type=1

and

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.10150285605761230.330973.673111229&l=f8411891a0&type=1

Hi Stuart,

Just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to you, Stewart and Mike from all of us, we really did have such an amazing day on Thursday! I can’t begin to tell you how elated, delighted, ecstatic, overjoyed and thrilled we all were to successfully complete our Channel Swim!!

Thank you for your amazing support and encouragement, your expertise of The Channel, your knowledge of the tides and weather, for getting us there and back safely (from my dad!), the wonderful cups of tea, the updates of the progress and water temperature!! I’m still checking the shipping forecast and I still don’t understand it!!

Many, many thanks to you all once again, please pass them on to Stewart and Mike. If I hear of anyone wanting to do the amazing crazy swim I’ll be sure to recommend you!!

Thank you,

Paula & The Team of Successful Channel Swimmers

xxxxxxx

Italian Dolphins - Channel Relay Success - 9th September 2011



Alessandro Orlandi, Walter D'Angelo, Clement Manzo & Daniele Salamone



Report by Keith Oiler.

0925Arrived at Dover Marina. Very quiet this morning - no sign of the relay team or Sea Leopard. Weather good, overcast sky but dry with light winds. High tide is at 1010hrs at a height of 5.8m.

0935 Boarded Sea Leopard with pilot Stuart Gleeson and crew Stewart Richardson. Team Italian Dolphins arrive soon after. Introduced to team and two supporters, Laura and Francesca. Communication may be a problem. Only Daniele and Laura appear to have some understanding of English and Italian isn't Stuart's second language.

0945 Stuart advised Daniele that the weather may not be good but that the forecast is for improved conditions towards the end of the the swim. After discussing with team, Danielle confirmed that they wished to continue with the swim.

0952 Stewart gave full and comprehensive safety briefing - sign language and gesticulation appears to overcome the language barrier and Daniele interprets for other team members.

0955 Left pontoon. KO informed team of proceedures and CSA guidance together with main rules applicable to relay swims. Questions raised and answered.

1005 Left Dover harbour to start swim from Samphire Hoe.

1028 Off Samphire Hoe beach. Walter preparing to swim - warming oil applied to full body.

1036 Walter enters water and loses goggles which are retrieved by Stewart. Swims to shore, where he stood clear of water on shingle beach.

1042 Walter reenters water on sound of Klaxon. Stopwatch started and swim commenced at 1042hrs.

1046 Walter swims to Sea Leopards port side. Weather: Stiff breeze, overcast but light skies. Sea is choppy with light to moderate swell.

1050 Inshore waters are quiet. No other vessels in sight other than P&O ferries entering/leaving Dover Harbour. Walter swimming strongly at a stroke rate of 64spm. Making good progress in not ideal conditions.

1110 Stuart contacted Dover Coastguard to record start of swim.

1120 Inshore waters remain quiet.  One yacht off starboard bow, not under sail.

1125 Team remain bouyant but Clemente is a bit quieter and Francesca is sleeping - not enjoying the lively trip.

1138 Clemente preparing to swim. Warming oil applied to full body plus suntan cream.

1142 Clemente enters water from port side on time signal, approaches Walter who exits water via ladder on stern. Note: all subsequent change overs are timed and observed to be correctly undertaken.

1143 Standard data taken and recorded at hourly intevals for remainder of swim.

1150 Francesca is the first to pay visit to starboard side of Sea Leopard, looks like my water temperature bucket may be put to alternative use this trip.

1232 Daniele commences warm up and preparation for swim. Warming oil applied to full body.

1305 All team remain in high spirits - other than Francesca who is asleep on the engine hatch.

#

1310 Daniele change to breast stroke for short period (6 strokes) before reverting to front crawl Swimming strongly at 72 strokes/min.

1315 Reverted to breast stroke for 6 strokes

1316 Large Bulk carrier Ice Base passes approx half a mile across bow.

1318 Daniele stops swimming momentarily, twice in short period after being hit by rebound waves from Sea Leopard. Conditions are not good for swimming and do not appear to be improving.

1328 Enter South West Shipping Lane.

1329 Daniele stops swimming - no apparent reason. Says she is ok and ontinues swimming strongly.

1330 Alessandro preparing to swim. Warming oil applied to full body. Note: no further notes made of warm up proceedures as similar process followed for about same period prior to each change over.

1332 Daniele stops swimming - to check watch. Continues to swim but stroke rate has dropped slightly to 68spm.

1336 Sea France freight ferry passes close on port side bound for Calais.

1346 Coaster RMS Ratinger passes very close across bow.

1350 Wilson Line Coaster Wilson Rye passes close across bow.

1355 Large container ship Boslin alters course after being contacted by Sea Leopard and passes close astern.

1408 Alessandro swimming too far from Sea Leopard. Called in closer. Visibility has reduced considerably.

1412 Large APL line container vessel  passes close astern. Visibility has further reduced down to less than a mile now. Conditions for swimming are getting worse - moderate swell with 4/5 feet  breaking waves. Alessandro is continuing to swim strong and consistantly at 66spm but is finding it hard going.

1418 Daniele is taking a long time to recover from his swim. Still feeling cold. Wrapped in sleeping bag and additional clothes.

1425 Daniele pays visit to starboard side. Still struggling to recover his body temperature. Has taken nothing to eat or drink.

1500 Conditions remain uncomfortable for all on board Sea Leopard. Much rocking and rolling. Visibility slightly improved at approx 2 miles. No other vessels in sight.

1507 Alessandro visiting starboard side. Daniele is much brighter and has warmed up. Asking Pilot if he is happy with the crossing. Stuart confirmed all ok. Swimming well.

1540 Left South West lane and entered Separation Zone.

1550 Large Bulk carrier passing approx 1 mile astern.

1615 Leaving Separation Zone and entering North West shipping Lane. French Coastguard advised.

1624 Daniele requested confirmation of rules re: order of swim. Confirmed that as each swimmer had swam a leg, no changes can be made to the order the swimmers enter the water. Daniele confirmed that he understood.

1628 Clemente stopped swimming momentarily to adjust strap on goggles. Continued to swim strongly stroke rate 78.

1644 Stuart treating Clemente for jellyfish sting to chest. (Antihistamine cream applied.) Clemente stung just before change over.

1656 Large container ship Zim Moskova passes very close across bow.

1657 Daniele stops swimming and changes to breast stroke for six strokes, then reverts to front crawl. Continues to swim strongly and consistantly at 72spm.

1720 Wind has increased slightly. Sea conditions have worsened again - but, to be positive, at least it is not raining. Visibility has decreased.

1721 Daniele stops swimming momentarily, swum breaststroke for six strokes then reverted to front crawl again.

1730 Daniele stopped swimming after being hit by a large wave. Took a couple of breaths, then continued.

1738 Shipping remains quiet. Visibilty has reduced slightly - now down to about quarter of a mile. No visible shipping.

1810 Alessandro stops swimming - has entered an area of weed. Continues to swim strongly at 68spm. Laura encouraging Alessandro and warning of weed - "Alga, Alga." Stuart is improving his knowledge of the Italian language.

1828 Large tanker Horizon Armonia passes across bow.

1835 Alessandro stops swimming - took mouthful of water? Continues to swim strongly in difficult conditions. Visibility remains poor but shipping quiet.

1838 Large tanker passes astern.

1850 Team remain in high spirits, other than Francesca who has beein asleep on the engine hatch for past 2 hours.

1921 Alessandro paying visit to starboard side. As anticipated, water temperature bucket has been put to alternative use.

1927 Coaster Sea Kestrel passes close astern.

1932 Clemente preparing to swim. Light sticks activated and attached to trunks and straps on goggles. All swimmers use light sticks form this change over.

2005 Left  North East shipping lane and entered French inshore waters. Visibility remains very limited towards Dover but has cleared towards the French coast and lights on coast are now clearly visible. Weather has improved - wind has dropped, sky is clearing and the moon is up. Sea conditions are improving with only a slight swell.

2010 Clemente swimming too close. Asked to swim a couple of metres further away from port side.

2020 Two small coasters passing approx three quarters of a mile astern. Viking Princess approx 1 mile

to south west. Light of Louise Jane can be seen further west. A third swim boat Pathfinder is approx 1 mile north of us.

2050 Stuart confirmed approx 3 miles off French coast.

2113 Daniele stopped swimming and changed to breast stroke for six strokes. Returned to front crawl - swimming strongly at 72spm

2147 Viking Princess passing on starboard side on return to Dover following successful completion of swim.

2204 Alessandro stopped swimming twice in as many minutes. Seems to be looking to see how far to go. Lights on the coast look very close but the tide is taking us up the coast. Sea is now flat calm with a very slight swell. Without the tide, near ideal swim conditions.

2230 Stewart preparing tender for landing. all of the team are now getting excited about the prospect of being the first all Italian relay team to complete the Channel swim.

2242 Change over. Walter enters the water and takes over from Alessandro for what should be the final leg of the swim. Note: Before entering the water Walter reminded of correct proceedure for completion of swim.

2258 Approx half a mile from shore off Cap Blanc. Stewart preparing to board tender with Laura who will be accompanying him ashore.

2305 Tender away to accompany Walter to shore. Sea Leopard standing approx 200m off shore. Stuart holds position to enable finish of swim to be observed.

2321 Stewart confirms via radio that Walter has landed on beach between rocks and has completed swim by standing clear of water. Stopwatch stopped at 2321hrs. Location: beach below Cap Blanc. Total time 12hr 39min.

2330 Tender returned to Sea Leopard. Laura, Walter and Stewart safely back on board.

2335 Commenced return journey to Dover. All team in high spirits following successful completion of swim.

0155 Enter Dover harbour after safe uneventful and fairly calm return crossing.

0200 Safely moored on pontoon next to Dover Marina Office.  Last photo opportunity - many group photos taken.

0210 Completed paperwork and left Sea Leopard after wishing the Italian Dolphins success in future challenges and a safe return journey home.

Walter D'Angelo, Clemente Manzo, Daniele Salamone & Alessandro Orlandi

Observers Note:

A relatively uneventful swim in far from ideal swim conditions. Visibility was considerably restricted for most of the crossing, but shipping was relatively quiet for the whole of the swim. The silly season is nearing an end so very few small leisure craft on either side of the Channel - or had they all listened to the weather forecast? Well done Italian Dolphins, an excellent swim in difficult conditions.

Qing Li, Channel Solo Swim Success, 25th August 2011

Photos thanks to Qing Li. Report by Keith Oiler (KO)

1820Arrived at Dover Marina, Steve Franks also waiting to go out with swimmer on Pathfinder.

1825 On Pontoon. Meet Qing and her parents who will be accompanying Qing during her swim.

1830 On board Sea Leopard with Stuart Gleeson, Pilot and Stewart Richardson, Crew.

1837 Safety talk given by Stewart. KO informed Qing of proceedures and CSA guidance together with main rules covering solo swims. Qing gave detailed information sheet to KO and pilot.

Dover Marina

 

1845 Left Dover Harbour.  Weather good, light winds, overcast skies. Some clear areas but it looks like it might rain. Rather choppy sea as we leave harbour - mum and dad look apprehensive.

1850 Qing preparing to swim. Light sticks attached to strap on goggles and to swim suit straps and both activated.

Shakespeare Beach, Dover

1903 Arrived off Shakespeare cliff with Pathfinder and their solo swimmer. Qing is taking her time with preparation and appears almost reluctant to enter the water. Stewart checks that all is okay.

1908 Qing enters the water and swims approx 75 yards to beach.

1911 Qing reenters the water from beach. Stopwatch started and swim commences at 1911hours

1914 Qing alongside Sea Leopard swimming on port side.

1925 Inshore waters look very quiet other than two other swim boats (Pathfinder and Anastasia) Weather - dry at present. Wind decreasing but still 8/10 knots. Sea choppy with moderate swell. Mum and Dad are very quiet. I don't think they are going to enjoy their trip across the Channel.

1930 Only visible shipping - 2 x Sea France ferries entering and leaving Dover and a car transporter j in the South West Shipping lane.

1935 Qing stops swimming momentarily to adjust swim cap - continues swimming strongly.

1945 Stuart calls up Dover Coastguard and advises of commencement of swim.

1952 Qing stops swimming to show mum and dad the sunset. It is beautiful this evening. Continues to swim strongly. Stroke rate now 66, up from initial 63 spm.

2011 Feed and drink. No problems, drinks via string tied to bottle. Feed via pole with bucket. Feeding, along with other essential data is recorded hourly intervals on separate log sheets.

2025 Qing swimming gradually further away from Sea Leopard. Attention eventually attracted and returned to good distance from port side. It is nearly dark. Light sticks clearly visible.

2035 Yacht passes close across bow going up Channel. Qing swimming too far away from Sea Leopard again.

2041 Stop for drink. Qing swims to starboard side and takes further drink. Has been raining and those on board are now also wet.

2045 Qing swimming too far from Sea Leopard and in wrong direction,. Does not respond to Klaxon or whistle. Stuart concerned, turns Sea Leopard around and circles to come alongsid Qing. Stewart explains that she must stay close to boat in dark. Told to swim in light from spot light that is centred approx 4 yds from side.

2115 Mum and dad continue to watch Qing. Concerned when she goes too far from Sea Leopard, but now staying much closer. Mum and dad are not enjoying the journey - both have been suffering from sea sickness since before first feed.

2125 Stroke rate slightly down for first time. 56spm.

2130 Sea Leopard is gradually moving up the Channel with the tide. Getting closer to cross Channel ferries - 3 off port side.

2141 Stop for drink. Stewart now doing the feeds. Mum and dad taking a rest from preparing and giving feeds.

2220 Rain has eased. Sea is much calmer and wind has completely dropped.

2245 Enter South West shipping lane. Small coaster passes close across bow going down Channel.

2319 P&O ferry passes on starboard side bound for Calais. Coaster passes close astern after altering course following advice of Sea Leopards position by Dover Coastguard.

2330 MV Ostree calls up Sea Leopard. After giving position and speed, Ostree confirms alter course to starboard and passes very close astern going down Channel.

0023 CMA line container ship CGM Magellan passes across bow going down Channel. It is 365m long and 187000 tonnes. Very close to Pathfinder who is approx quarter of a mile ahead.

0025 Qing stopped swimming momentarily - sea weed.

0030 Stopped swimming after taking a mouthful of water. Conditions are not good for swimming. Qing offered and took drink of water before continuing.

0055 Shipping relatively quiet. More persistant rain now.

0105 Anastasia has aborted her swim and passes on starboard side on return to Dover.

0150 Shipping remains quiet. Weather has improved slightly - light rain with S Easterly wind force 1/2. Sea has calmed with a slight swell.

0230 Mum has been asleep for past 2 hours - on port side sitting on deck behind wheelhous to gain some shelter from the rain. She is also under her umbrella. Dad sitting on starboard side deck with head above gunwhale. Nearly asleeep but always aware where Qing is and regularly shouting "Stay in the light." Qing is now swimming at a more constant distance from Sea Leopard but still veers away and has to be called back. Let's hope she swims more consistantly after dawn.

0247 Left South West Shipping lane and entered separation zone.

0320 Now heavy rain with lightening towards French Coast and above our position. Visibility now considerably reduced. No shipping visible other than Pathfinder approx 1 mile ahead.

0340 Entered North East Shipping lane.

0410 Still raining,

0415 Slightly delayed feed - Qing happy and positive. Clearly requests what she wants for next feed.

0455 Very little shipping in the North East Lane. Conditions are not good. Moderate swell and wind from the East now. Wind pushing Sea Leopard toward Qing. She still continues to swim strongly and is maintaining a consistant stroke rate of 60spm.

0535 Nearly stopped raining but wind has increased slightly. Sky is starting to clear and daylight is coming. Visibility has improved - can clearly see lights on French coast and Cap Gris Nez light.

0545 Delayed feed. Large bulk carrier, NYK line passing close astern, general cargo ship crossing close across bow.

0546 Feed taken. Drink only. Qing vomitted whilst taking stop for drink. Stroke rate has reduced slightly down to 58spm due to deterioting conditons.

0555 Sea conditions are quickly deteriorating as the wind is increasing. Qing continues to swim strongly in very difficult conditions.

0635 Pathfinder advises French Coastguard that her swim has been aborted and returning to Dover.

0700 Three and a half miles of Cap Gris Nez. Dad asking how much longer. Steward advised about 3 hours.

0703 Qings stroke rate has dropped to 54, rechecked and again confirmed at 54spm. She appears to be tiring but is still continuing to swim relatively strongly.

0714 Stopped for feed. Took approx 90 secs, Qing then vomitted, needed time to settle and take water. Asked how far to go. Stewart checked and confirmed Three and a half miles. Qing appeared to be happy with this and started swimming again at 0719. Responded well to encouragement given by Stewart.

0725 Qing swimming strongly again. Stroke rate back up to 60spm. (Stewart thinks he is wasted as crew and should be a trainer/motivator)

0735 Shipping has been very quiet over past 2 hours. Coaster astern and Normad Line bulk carrier off starboard side both going up the Channel.

0755 Sea conditions not good but Qing is coping very well. Cap Gris Nez is now approx 3 miles away. Tide is going slack and this should enable Qing to make better progress.

0810 Enters French Inshore Waters. Stuart advises French Coastguard.

0820 Inshore waters are quiet. No ferries, too far west to be bothered by them now. 2 yachts between Sea Leopard and coast which is beginning to look much closer.

0900 Flood tide has started - not good news. Stuart doubts that we are close enough to make landing west of Cap Gris Nez. If we dont make it our trip could be 2 or 3 hours longer.

0929 Feed delayed slightly to try to make most of opportunity before tide starts running stronger.

0958 Yacht Lady Guinevere passes 40m across our bow - a friendly wave from crew.

1010 Looking hopeful but the weather has closed in again and it's raining. No inshore traffic - not a dingy, fishing boat, cruiser or yacht in sight. Perhaps the French are more sensible than we give them credit for?

1028 Stopped raining. Sun is now shining.

Nearing Cap Gris Nez

1045 Not making enough progress in the right direction. Tide is going to take us past Cap Gris Nez.

1059 French yacht passes astern. Only other visible vessel is a fishing boat approx 3 miles to the West.

1125 Stewart prepares for landing. Oilskins, boots and lifejacket but decision is made it is not safe to go into shore in tender. Mum and dad are at last beginning to look brighter. Mum is encouraged to boost Qing over this last taxing part of the swim.

1130 Last feed before landing? Stewart talking to Qing. Tells her half a mile to beach - aim for the houses, land where the road comes down to beach or on beach to left of road. Reminds Qing to stand clear of the water. After encouragement from mum and dad, Qing starts swimming again.

1150 Approx 150 yards from beach. Qing given final instructions, re landing. Stuart keeps Sea Leopard in position to enable observation of completion of swim. Seal in water as welcome party.

1159 Qing stands clear of water on pebble beach to correctly complete swim. Stop watch stopped at 16hours 48mins, location - Slipway east of Cap Gris Nez.

1210 Qing safely back on board Sea Leopard. After drawing a large crowd of people down to slipway and at windows in restaurant above beach. She also talked to a local reporter so may make the news in the local newspaper.



Qi back on board Sea Leopard

Getting warm below deck on the way home.

1214 Stuart reports completion of swim to French Coastguard and commences return journey to Dover. All on board in high spirits but it has just dawned on mum and dad that they are going to have a lively trip back on Sea Leopard.

1425 Enter Dover harbour after a very bumpy amd at times wet return crossing. Mum and dad visibly brighten once we are in harbour.

1435 Safely back on mooring in Granville Dock.

1442 After congratulating Qing on her excellent swim and wishing family a safe journey home, completed paperwork and left Sea Leopard at 1442.

Observers note:

This young lady was very focussed, mature and confident in her approach to her swim - which she totally owned. Her preparation was excellent and included a sheet given to pilot and observer which gave her detailed feed plan, drills, gear, clothing, equipment, etc. It even included yes and nos - be truthful and to the point. Don't ask about food - you have plan. Don't ask about pain. Don't tell me where I am/how far - unless I ask.

This information was invaluable as her supporters were unable to assist her after third hour. All subsequent feeds were undertaken by crew. This was only possible by planning that Qing had undertaken - this very muhc contributed to her success. Only issue - she did not realise how cold she would be after the swim. Not prepared for this. However, experience and knowledge of crew meant she received care and attention she needed at this time - well done Stewart.

An excellent swim undertaken in far from ideal conditions - very well done Qing, you planning was one of the keys to your success and many other prospective Channel Swimmers could learn a lot from you. It was a pleasure to observe your well deserved success.