After a torturous few weeks of waiting, nearly swimming, not swimming, watching all the weather websites, becoming an expert on trying to predict north Atlantic and European weather pressure charts and praying…. I think we have a window.
The wind is due to drop tonight sufficiently for a swim. It’s not a pressure high, more of a lull between two lows. In the words of Nick Adams, President of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation, “it won’t be a flat one old chap”.
But it’s the only chance. The rest of the week is a blow out and then the new tide starts again and new swimmers arrive for their chance. It’s do this or go home.
The current plan is to meet the boat in the marina at 10.30pm tonight. Swim should then start from Samphire Hoe at about 11pm. Swim through the night and land in France sometime tomorrow after lunch. That’s about 8am start Melbourne time on Friday.
The pilot will make one further weather check in the hours before we go, but he will only call it off if there is any significant change in the forecast.
If you’re interested in monitoring the sea conditions in the Channel go to http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=62304
Caren will keep all updated with twitter. There is a feed on the right of this page if you are not on Twitter so you can still watch.
Also you should (but no promises) be able to follow the boat on either of the following AIS sites. The boat is called Seafarer 11 (or 2 or ii) and the port will either be Dover UK , or Folkestone. Have a play and you will work it out. Best on computers not ipad or iphone.
Thinking of you all, thanks so much for the messages of encouragement, I have got them all (via text messages, twitter, Caren’s facebook, Typ901 site etc..) . Caren will be checking twitter and my mobile for texts during the swim. You can also text her direct on her uk number +447411713399
Thinking of you all when I swim.
Andrew
Fingers crossed for you AV... ;)
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