|
Channel Swimming
Planning to swim
the English Channel -The shortest distance across the Channel is from
Shakespeare Beach, Dover, to Cap Gris Nez (the headland halfway between
Calais and Boulogne). This distance is 18.2 nautical miles which is
approximately 21 land miles. There are 2,000 yards or 1852 mtrs to a
nautical mile. Most of the England/France swims start from Shakespeare
Beach or from Abbotts Cliff between one hour before high water and one
hour after high water, although the pilots do start at other times and
places, depending on the tide, the weather conditions, and the swimmer's
ability.
France/England swims (when and if these are permitted by the French
authorities) usually start from Cap Gris Nez or its immediate vicinity.
The traditional start time is about 3 to 4 hours before high water. This
can also vary considerably depending on the tide, weather, swimmer and
pilot.
With the use of computerised plotting for course calculations and the
modern electronics on the pilot boats, start times and places can be
evaluated before the swimmer enters the water, and the best choice of
route made. The more the pilot knows about the tides, weather and the
swimmer's ability the more accurately the swim can be predicted.
Click for
Information >
Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation
Click for
Information >
Channel Swimming Association
|
ACCOMMODATION
BOATING
BUILDINGS
CYCLING
CRUISE
EATING
ENTERTAINMENT
FISHING
GARDENS
GOLF
HISTORICAL
MOTORS
SHOPPING
SWIMMING
WALKING
 |
