Well, what an experience! Technically we knew we'd made it across to France when our mobile phones switched over to the French network. But, we didn't reach the other side of the Channel.
With two members of the team suffering from sea-sickness (big time), and unable to change the swim order (under CSA rules), we turned back after 7 hours of challenging swimming.
Yes, we were disappointed, but nothing can take away the sense of achievement that comes from swimming in the Channel. It's an experience we'll never forget. Swimmers vomiting over the side of the boat, the sensation of jellyfish tentacles running along my arm, the sight of a Russian warship passing by, chairs slipping and sliding along the deck as the boat rolled, and the sense of achievement climbing out of the water after a swim leg are memories that will be with us forever.
What amazed me was how slow we were. Tides, current, wind and waves reduced our normal swim rate by 70%, and we averaged only 0.75mph. If we could have carried on it would have taken us at least 24 hours to reach France, and then we'd have struggled to land because we'd be against the tide.
I'm stiff and sore today. I have jellyfish sting rashes on my arm and on my chest. (Orlaith was stung on the nose!) But, I feel fantastic, and it's been such an incredible journey.
Well done to the team. We've been amazing ambassadors for Rosemead,
And thank you to all of you who have donated, both to the school and to UNHCR,
Finally, I can get on with my life, and I can plan my next challenge ...
Well done team:
Orlaith Richardson
Alex Wood
Andy Dorrett
Lynne Barry
Debbie Louks-MIddleton
Clive Broadbent
Fiona King
Steve Dorrett
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