Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation "Nothing great is easy", Captain Matthew Webb

Facts about the Channel 

Distances 
Shakespeare Beach to Cap Gris Nez18.1 nautical miles
20.8 land (statute) miles 
33.5 kilometres
Firsts     
SoloCaptain Matthew Webb24th August 187521 hours 45 mins
2-Way Antonio Abertondo196143 hours 10 mins
3-Way John Erikson198138 hours 27 mins
4-WaySarah Thomas201954 hours 10 mins
Numbers
Solo Swimmers1619
Solo Crossings2126
2-Way solos41
3-Way solos4
Speed
Fastest 1-Way SoloTrent Grimsey [08/09/2012]6 hours 55 mins
Fastest 2-Way SoloPhilip Rush [1987]16 hours 10 mins
Fastest 3-Way SoloPhilip Rush [1987]28 hours 21 mins
Fastest 1-Way RelayUS National Swim Team [1990]6 hours 52 mins
Fastest 2-Way RelayUS National Swim Team [1990]14 hours 18 mins
Fastest 3-Way RelaySport City Mexico [2007]30 hours 7 mins
Fastest 4-Way RelaySport City Mexico [2007]42 hours 11 mins
Slowest 1-Way SoloJackie Cobell [2010]28 hours 44 mins
Slowest 2-Way SoloAntonio Abertondo [1961]43 hours 10 mins
Age  
Youngest Channel SwimmerThomas Gregory [1988]11 years 11 months
Oldest Channel SwimmerOtto Thaning [2014]73 years 4months
Fatalities
1926Rodriguez de LaraSpain
1954Edward J MayUK
1984Kumar AnandanSri Lanka
1988Renata AgondiBrazil
1999Fausta Marin MorenoMexico
2001Ueli StaubSwitzerland
2012Páraic CaseyIreland
2013Susan TaylorUK
2016Nick ThomasUK
  • 21 Jan 2025RSS Feed

    2025 Notice of CS&PF AGM

    Notice of CS&PF AGMFor the year ended 31st December 2024To be held atThe Channel Suite, Leas Cliff HallThe Leas, FolkestoneCT20 2DZ1pm on the 15th March 2025 Full members of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation are requested to note that any nominations for CS&PF officers and committee positions and/or notices of motions must  be with the CS&PF secretary, in writing, at least 21 clear days before the AGM. This year that means the deadline is midnight on Friday 21st February 2025 CS&PF rules state:-The CS&PF Officers and Committee members, (excluding President and Vice President) to be  elected by rotation with half (1/2) being elected every year over a 2 year period. CS&PF officer positions are to be elected from CS&PF members who are serving or have served on the CS&PF committee. Officer and committee positions due for election in 2025 President: Mike Ball (nominated by the CS&PF committee)Vice-President: Michael Oram (nominated by the CS&PF committee) The ChairmanThe SecretaryTwo Committee member positions All persons wishing to stand must be full CS&PF members (please include membership numbers).  Nominations must be proposed and seconded by CS&PF Full Members (again, please include membership numbers). All nominations must be made within the rules available on the CS&PF web site www.cspf.co.uk (under the ‘about us’ heading). Notices of Motion Any motions put forward for inclusion in the AGM agenda must be submitted to the CS&PF secretary (email: secretary@cspf.co.uk or by post to 5, Charter House, Camden Crescent, Dover, CT16 1LE) with the names and signatures of the proposer and seconder. The proposer and seconder must be full CS&PF members (including membership numbers). Voting will be by paper ballot for any contested positions or motions. Read more

CS&PF NEWS

Sandettie Lightship Observations

8pm, 20th October 2024


Water: 60.6 °F (15.9 °C)

Air: 60.3 °F (15.7 °C)

Wind Speed: 24.1 kn (44.6 km/h)

Wind Direction: SW (230°)

Channel Weather