‘Special swim’ completes round-island challenge
NEARLY £2,000 was raised for the RNLI by the Butterfield Charity Harbour Swim.
Fifty Guernsey Swim Adventures members were treated to a morning of serenity for the swim.
Completing a Guernsey 360 was one of the GSA 2021 challenges and after a season of swimming round headlands, across bays and completing the uncharted 10km swim down the south coast, the 2.5km swim from Salerie Corner to Havelet Bay was the last stretch.
‘The Butterfield Charity Harbour Swim was the final piece of the 360 puzzle,’ said Jacqui Hunt of GSA.
‘I absolutely loved this swim – the stars aligned and it was just so special,’ said swimmer Michelle Jupp.
Ms Hunt said onlookers commented it was a real spectacle, as swimmers stayed in a tight group, all wearing brightly coloured caps and tow buoys.
A GSA safety boat, the RNLI inshore lifeboat Elizabeth and Margaret Milligan and volunteer kayakers accompanied the swimmers.
Swimmer Marcia Rosamond said: ‘This was a totally magical swim, not only because of the route but the water was so still and clear.’
GSA is always looking for new swim routes and this season members have completed the Triple Herm Challenge, a south coast swim from Portelet to Petit Bot, the Peastacks ‘lazy river’ and explored Sark’s coastline, among others.
‘Due to the uncertainty over the last two years and an ever-growing body of regular swimmers, we have only run closed events during 2020 and 2021,’ Ms Hunt said.
‘We are looking forward to opening up the GSA Butterfield events next year to allow more locals to get involved.’
She said the association has been planning to open up events to tourists since 2019.
‘Next year we will be offering both a swim weekend and bespoke swims for visitors.’
