A record breaking Channel Relay Swim has been achieved by Dorset coaches Barry Alldrick and Glenn Bailey, together with Poole SC’s Danni Callahan. Initially scheduled for mid-September, the challenge was put on hold due to unfavourable weather conditions until 3 October, when the three-person team were eventually able to take to the water at 3am on Shakespeare Beach, Dover.
Having trained in every stretch of water from Steamer Point to Sandbanks, and along with members of local associations including Poole Lifesaving Open Water Swimmers and East Dorset Open Water SC, the team clocked up an impressive 7.2 miles on the first round of swims. The main focus on the second leg was to minimise the tidal pull to the east so that the team could hit the midpoint and then return west, keeping the ‘arc’ to a minimum. After the second round of swims the team had passed the half way point and the third leg provided clear water, allowing some big distances to be achieved as the three swimmers were pulled west towards Cap Gris Nez. Finishing in 10 hours and 32 minutes, the team was finally rewarded with the fastest time ever achieved by a British three-person relay.
Barry and Danni are now old hands at Channel swimming, having previously participated in a successful relay swim in 2008, but it’s a first (and hopefully memorable experience) for Glenn.
Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and well-wishers, the charity swim raised £800 for Boscombe Lifeguards and £740 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The team also expressed their gratitude to Stuart Gleeson, pilot of the Sea Leopard support boat, and to Swans Goggles, Dry Robe and Reckless Clothing for provision of kit.