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
- 12 Jan 2025
CS&PF 2025 Annual Dinner tickets
Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation Annual Dinner 2025Saturday 15th March 2025Channel Suite - Leas Cliff Hall - FolkestoneTickets are now on sale and are £50 per person.Tickets will be on sale until the 8th of February unless they sell out sooner.To book your tickets please, for my sanity read the following carefully and only apply for tickets when you have ALL the information.Information required at the time of booking: tickets@cspf.co.ukThe name of everyone in your party.Make one booking for the whole group.Tables seat 10.If you are booking more than one table, please state who will be sat at which table.Dietary requirements – this cannot be accommodated on the night so must be supplied at the time of booking.Access requirements / special needs.The country you are travelling from if it is outside the UK.Swim stories to a maximum of 200 words for each 2024 season solo swimmer.Photos for each 2024 solo swimmer, and relay team in your party.Please name the file names the solo surname or relay name.Once I have ALL the information required to make your booking, I will send you the details to make payment by bank transfer. When making your transfer please:Make one payment for your whole party.Use the name that made the booking as the reference on the bank transfer.Let’s make this the year I don’t threaten murder at some point in the processThanksMichelletickets@cspf.co.uk Read more
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°)