Channel Hopping

Crossing the Channel is now a simple affair, whether it is by ferry, train, car or plane. But what of those who make the trip the hard way? Lara Dunn looks at the history of the cross-Channel swim

- Lara Dunn

Since the turn of the 20th century, the Channel has grown far beyond its physical 21-and-a-bit miles – the shortest route, from Dover to Cap Gris Nez – to become one of the most well-known (and toughest) swimming challenges in the world. Conditions during the July-September swimming season can vary drastically, from mirror-like water to force-six winds and waves of more than two metres high. The water is cold (usually 14°-18°C), there is a chance of meeting jellyfish and it is the busiest shipping lane in the world.

To date, 1,731 swimmers have completed the crossing solo and 7,189 in relay or special category swims. These figures compare with more than 4,000 people who have reached the summit of Everest since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s climb in 1953 (around 280 people have died on Everest, but only nine swimming the Channel since 1845).

On 25 August 1875, Englishman Matthew Webb became the first person officially to swim the Channel. A captain in the Merchant Navy, Webb failed on his first attempt on 12 August due to strong winds and poor sea conditions, but was successful on the second, setting off from Admiralty Pier in Dover to land near Calais after 21 hours and 45 minutes. Webb was accompanied by three pilot boats, and smeared himself in porpoise oil to help with the cold and to prevent the inevitable chafing caused by the salt water. His final zig-zag course, swum in breaststroke, clocked up nearly 40 miles.