The shortest distance in a straight line from England to France is 21 miles. The tides will affect every aspiring English Channel swimmer to varying degrees. A simplistic description of what to expect is laid out in the subsequent paragraphs.
For roughly six hours the tide will take the swimmer 'up' the Channel, and then as the tide changes direction, the following six hours will take the swimmer 'down' the Channel. This up and down movement of the water is relentless and unavoidable.
When traversing the English Channel, the boat pilot pays respect to the aformentioned tides when heading for France, which means the tidal affect will be perpendicular to the direction of the swimmer. It is incredibly rare for a swimmer to ever be swimming with or against the tide.
The moon's position relative to the earth and sun changes, creating different strengths of tide. The smaller tides are called neap tides, and the bigger ones are spring tides. Historically, swimmers have made their attempts on neap tides, as the belief is that this reduces the effect of wind against tide. It also reduces the risk of the swimmer missing the land target of Cap Gris Nez in France.
During the swim season (July - September) you can track crossing attempts on our live tracking page. For completed swims after 24th July 2012 you can generate their swim tracks on our swim routes page.
- 21 Jan 2025
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
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°)
