English Channel Dreams Come True

English Channel Dreams come true

By Karen Quartermain

June 9, 2022

Last year, a trio of lads came to an event, in preparation for their English Channel Relay swim in June 22. As with many events in life, this did not go to plan and 1 of the original trio couldn't make the date anymore. Uswim advertised this opportunity and 2 lovely ladies were recruited. From that grew the strong team of 4 that are Team Juliett. With Paul Terry, Carlos Gamble, Ava Brockbank, and Emma Lepley the energy was bound to be high.

The team as it stood in January had just over 5 months to prepare and with the obviously challenging open water temperatures Jan-April the pool became home. Gruelling pool sessions in hot temps were certainly a challenge, however despite work, family, and illness they embraced it. With the odd kick up the backside from Coach K.A Windermere training swim was planned early season as their tide window was 3rd June so chilly to say the least. Windermere was 8 degrees and super challenging. However, despite this it brought the team together. They learnt about self-management, self-belief and most of all team play. We spoke all things channel and they stepped off that boat READY.

The time soon came and last minute preparations had begun, sea swimming, trialling sickness medications and night swimming. The only thing left was to sit out the weather and to be fair, they didn't have that long really until the call came in. Masterpiece their supporting vessel was fuelled up and ready to go, so the team did the same. Team shirts and a team meal was in order then some rest.

At around 0400 the team started their swim from Samphire Hoe, with Paul leading the way, followed by Ava, Emma, and then Carl. The weather was a tad lumpy but the Pilot had pre-warned them that 10 hours would be comfortable but then it may get a bit lumpy and bumpy. It was game on!

The swims started well, despite Carl feeling a tad under the weather, despite taking all the relevant precautions his sea legs took a while to kick in, but with the support of his team and self-management this was overcome after his 2nd swim and he was soon tucking into pot noodles and tuna sandwiches.

The preparation is everything for these swims, and the team had ticked every box. They continued to upload videos and updates to everyone watching and following them on the tracker. 13 hours and 56 minutes later, Ava landed them in France on Wissant Beach.

If you would like to take a look at a small video of their day, click the link below. Awesome team, awesome energy. Well Done.