james Westropp
Swimming The Straits of Gibraltar
Fundraising for Carers Trust
Story
The Gibraltar Straits are 14kms wide at their narrowest point, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a relatively busy shipping lane, the water is cold, the sun can be blistering and there is plenty of sub-surface wildlife to keep you on your toes. The currents and tides make it an unpredictable distance with some swims having been measured at 20km+. On a clear day the views can be spectacular. A great place to spend 7 hours face down in the murky water totally convinced you’re about to be eaten by a massive shark.
As many of you know The two of us, Andrew Noyons and I, have spent the last 15 months swimming 10 - 20 miles a week training for this in some of the most idyllic locations on earth. Dover Harbour, The Tooting Lido, The River Shannon and the Queen Mother Leisure Centre (Just behind Victoria Station) to name but a few. We've both worn through 3 sets of speedos, 4 swimming hats, shared showers with some really unique people and drunk a lot of unnecessary dirty water so are feeling well prepared.
We're raising money for The Peter Westropp Trust which many of you know is a cause extremely close to our hearts. Peter did enjoy a dip and was a surprisingly good swimmer. He would have considered this challenge for a minute then written it off as ridiculous, "Why would anyone do that?"
The full video will be shown at The Carols, Friday 15th December at The Dance Attic Studios, Fulham. See you all there.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When are you doing it? The window is between the 30th September - 6th October. If the sea is too rough (above Beaufort 3 for those sailors amongst you) we won’t be able to do it for safety reasons.
Do you have any support? Yes, there is a support boat alongside us (which you’re not allowed to touch during the crossing) who will pass out drinks and scatter fish food to make it more exciting.
Do many people do it? Yes - between 50 - 80 do it a year and at least 70% make it.
What are you wearing? Pink Speedos and a swimming hat. Oh and some goose fat.
How do you rate your chances? 70% depending on the conditions of the sea and the number of jellyfish (which have been particularly prevalent this year). If we don’t make it we can’t return your donations as Justgiving doesn’t work like that. We do however promise to reciprocate the sponsorship figure you give when you next do something for charity if that makes sense?
