Guernsey to France swim ‘learning curve’
ATTEMPTING the first solo swim from Guernsey to France was a learning curve for Adrian Sarchet and his support boat crew.
They set off on Monday morning to cover 30 miles, to continue raising funds to buy a Poolpod for people with disabilities to use Beau Sejour Leisure Centre’s pool independently.
After nearly 12 hours of continuous swimming, Mr Sarchet said he was feeling a bit battered and bruised, but completely undeterred.
‘It was a grand day out, the first part was an absolute dream in the water.
‘My profound thanks go to my crew Mandy Mackelworth, Richard Pattimore, Mark Torode and Dennis McKane.
‘When feeling absolutely desolate, having these vivacious and brilliant characters there helps me to carry on.
‘Without them none of these open sea swims could happen.’
‘It was clear when it was time to pull the plug.
‘I was being pulled away going backwards at about two knots, 17km short of France. I could have spent three hours swimming fast to stay in the same place.
‘In better conditions it would have been another six or seven hours to shore.’
‘Also, I would’ve landed in the dark, which would’ve thrown off our safety precautions.’
Tackling the Oceans Seven was almost a breeze compared to the English Channel, he said.
‘I’ve spent eight years swimming all over the world, but local swims are the meaningful ones for me.
‘Swimming the Channel is an extraordinarily complicated thing to achieve, with difficult tidal patterns.’
Mr Sarchet will attempt the swim again later this season.
‘Watch this space.’
