Ten international open-water swimmers – the Odyssey Squad 2 – undertook a relay at La Vallette throughout Friday night after a second world-record attempt to swim from Alderney to Swanage was abruptly called off.
Last year, the first Odyssey Squad were called to a halt while in the water – just seven miles offshore – due to dangerous sea conditions.
This year, an eight-person relay team had been preparing to tackle the route, widely regarded as an ‘impossible swim’ because of the powerful tides and currents around the Alderney Race. But mechanical problems with their safety boat ended the attempt – just 24 hours before it was set to start.
Rather than abandon the challenge, which was raising money for Guernsey Disability Swimming and UK charity Level Water, the swimmers regrouped and began swimming lengths of the Ladies’ Pool at 6pm on Friday. By 9.05am on Saturday, the team had clocked up 102km, and £3,579.50, which is to be split between the charities.
‘We couldn’t do anything round Guernsey or anywhere because it’s too treacherous with the waters, and very late notice to try and organise a different swim,’ said Guernsey-based swimmer Justin Meades, who helped organise the last-minute alternative.
After checking the tides, he realised there was a 24-hour window in which the bathing pools would not flood – but it meant swimming overnight. Mr Meades and fellow local swimmer Terry Wallhead were first into the water, with each completing four stints.
‘We thought, being the local boys, it would be the right thing to do,’ said Mr Meades.
‘We’d all been training to swim across the Channel, so we knew we could do it. It was more an issue of getting a bit monotonous going back and forth. But swimming with Terry, he’s quite a character, so it was entertaining. We were trying to beat our time each time we swam.’
Although the challenge could not replace the crossing the team had trained for, Mr Meades said it had become a special event in its own right.
‘A lot of people had been really generous by giving to both the charities already,’ he said.
‘We thought it would be a great way to honour the charities, and it was. We’ve all really bonded.’
The challenge came together with help from the community. The bathing pools kept its changing rooms open overnight and provided electricity, while Edmundson Electrical supplied battery-powered floodlights. The Guernsey water polo group sectioned off part of the pool, to allow the relay to begin during its evening game.
The location was particularly fitting given the charities being supported. Local swimmers with disabilities regularly use the pools. Among them is Mike Spiller, who suffered a stroke five years ago and has been using the charity to aid his physical recovery and cognitive progress. He trained with its volunteer staff at the pools to take on last year’s Castle Swim.
‘It was an interesting challenge with the rough conditions and the tide,’ he said.
‘But I used to be in the Royal Navy – determination comes with the job. GDS helped me gain confidence in the water, and with all the preparation for the challenge, they helped me gain strength.’
The relay team was led by Australian open-water swimmer and coach Chloe McCardel, known as the Queen of the Channel after completing a world-record 44 English Channel crossings.
She had not expected to swim in this challenge, but the change of plans saw her back in the water for her first long stint since giving birth seven months ago.
‘I have no fitness,’ she said.
‘Everything was hurting. I slept on the concrete – I did not want to get up for my second swim – and it was a long night. But it was also so special to be part of such a resilient team. They bounced back, made something beautiful, raised extra money for the charities and it was an amazing experience. We were spoilt with the incredible backdrop. It’s my first time in Guernsey and I just walk around amazed. It’s like being on a Greek island. The lighting on the castle overnight was stunning.’
Mr Meades, who is originally from Sydney, said meeting Miss McCardel had been a highlight.
‘I’m in awe of anyone who’s swum the Channel,’ he said.
For now, the world-record dream would be put to bed, he said, but a personal challenge was brewing. He completed a swim around Jersey in September 2024.
‘I’d really like to swim to Alderney. I haven’t done that yet.’
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