Captain Matthew Webb was the first person to achieve what was thought to be impossible when he swam across the English Channel from England to France in 1875.
Webb's first attempt to swim the Channel on 12 August 1875 was unsuccessful due to strong winds and rough seas.
Twelve days later, on the 24 August 1875, Webb started out from the Admiralty Pier in Dover and 21 hours and 45 minutes later, landing near Calais, he successfully completed the first solo swim between England and France.
The swimmer Capt Webb is the original pioneer and hero who inspires successful and aspiring Channel Swimmers to this day.
Webb keeping an eye on the Channel from the Dover seafront
- 09 Oct 2026
6 Hour Assessment Swim
The office has received numerous calls and emails expressing concern that the six-hour assessment swim may increase to eight hours. We can confirm that our rules have not changed and the six-hour assessment swim remains in place. Read more
Sandettie Lightship Observations
11pm, 21st October 2026
Water: 62.1 °F (16.7 °C)
Air: 53.6 °F (12 °C)
Wind Speed: 27.0 kn (50.0 km/h)
Wind Direction: WSW (250°)
