Including a Super Sonic Windermere Solo

Including a Super Sonic Windermere Solo

By Karen Quartermain

September 24, 2020

The temperature was checked and recorded at 15.5 degrees—perfect and just what was needed for an English Channel Qualifying swim, which was Helen's focus. We knew that Helen would likely complete the 10.5 miles in sub-6 hours as she is a strong swimmer who had certainly put the hours in training, building up her endurance while maintaining her speed.

The forecast was for light drizzle later in the day, with no sunshine and no wind. Helen shot off from Fell Foot and made incredible progress. Feeding hourly and swimming very well with the boat, the water remained extremely calm. We hit the halfway marker at around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Helen never showed any signs of being uncomfortable, though she did share that her feet were ice cold; fortunately, she could still feel her hands, which was the main thing.

As we approached Low Wood Bay, Helen's husband, Iain, contacted us to say he was on the steamer. He managed to persuade the driver to do a little diversion and came past Helen, hooting the horn with all the passengers clapping and cheering her on. Helen was so focused that she did not stop to wave, but she acknowledged them and it certainly gave her a boost.

We carried on to the jetty, where Helen touched at a superb time of 5 hours and 16 minutes. She then stayed in the bay to complete her full 6-hour swim, just as the heavens opened and the rain came down. An awesome swim.