Every summer, this motley crew of friends, the members of the Pink Albatross Society, sets itself a different sporting challenge.  Our aims are to challenge ourselves in a new discipline, and to raise money for charity in the process. Two years ago we ended up frostbitten whilst attempting an ascent of Mont Blanc, last year we got dusty cycling unaided over the Atlas Mountains in Morroco. This year’s challenge is far shorter, covering a distance of 5km and requiring only an afternoon, but arguably it is our toughest one yet.  

The Challenge

On July 18, we will swim across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, from Gosport to Ryde, sporting (temperature permitting) only speedos. As the Solent is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, with strong tides and with a few unpleasantries (aka jellyfish) lurking beneath the surface, this is not a challenge that is being taken lightly. Our training started (in a couple of cases) with learning to swim crawl first, swiftly followed by endurance and then temperature acclimitization training. The hope is that, come July 18, the training will be complete and the weather will be suitable to allow for an attempt. We will be ably escorted by four kayaks, surrounded by a diamond formation of four small boats, and followed by a large vessel on standby. 

The Charity

This year we’re raising money for the and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards (the PSVL). The PSVL provide a voluntary Beach and Rescue service for Southsea and the  area. With its charitable status, the PSVL relies on the generosity of the general public for survival and preservation rescue cover for those members of the public who find themselves in difficulties within the  and Southsea marine environment. Hopefully we can contribute to their efforts through this challenge.  Our funding target is £1,200, so all contributions are gratefully received. Thank you for your sponsorship, and here’s hoping that the weather plays its part.