Warwick Schools Channel Swim double success and raise more than £14,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice

The swimmers have raised over £14,000 for the Acorn's Hospice - and beating the previous best ever school charity event total. The 'warwickschoolswimmming' donations page on our Just Giving page ended on the 30th October. Acorns are delighted as we add significant funds to their life limited suppport for local children and their families.

The 2009 Channel Swimmers wish to thank everyone who has helped, sponsored or cajoled them on to these amazing successes. The swims will be life long memories for those who took part.

Why not read on and find out how the swims went, the training reports and fund raising information.

REPORTS:
Channel Team made fantastic successful swims on July 1st in 11 hours 38 minutes & on July 4th in 12 hours 38 minutes in difficult conditions!

The first team for 2009 left Dover Marina at 6am on board Seafarer II with Chris Osmond as Pilot for their Channel attempt.

Becky Sherren(KHS) set off from Shakespeare Beach at 6.25am. Then in the first hour her strong swim overtook a solo swimmer who set out before 6am. Very choppy conditions under a grey dark sky - no sun and no warmth to encourage the swimmers along for over 10 hours. With an easterly wind cutting across the tides making choppy conditions & for a very uncomfortable ride and many swimmers feeling & being seasick due to the continuously changing motion of the boat. Everyone agreed it was better to be swimming in the green/grey looking water rather than to sit in the boat. Will Hopkins and Brian Lo drove on through the shipping lane swells and frothy cresting waves. In the 4th hour in Tim Walton’s first leg, we overtook a second solo swimmer in the main shipping lanes. If anything the rolling waves created by the commercial tankers, freighters and ferries caused some calm to the changing motion of the easterly wind / waves combination. Then seconds later it was back to the sliding and juddering caused by the waves. The water was very cold despite the outdoor conditioning training. No one complained - they all stuck to their task. Eddie Vining ensured as the support swimmer / reserve that everyone was well wrapped up as they emerged from their swims - towel, coat & blanket for 20 mins before changing and then usually sleeping like a log after their effort.

Pushing on towards France we had to endure a long slack tide & the emergence of jellyfish and other debris in the water as James Phillips and Gus Selby continued gamely on. As we emerged from this long period of slack tide the tide in the French shipping lane started to run at double the rate than the pilot had expected. The 6 relay swimmers had all swum once and we had reached the half way stage as planned but it had taken a huge effort by each one of them. We then heard that the first solo swimmer, we had passed some 5 hours earlier, had been retired and become another unsuccessful statistic on the record books.

This only seemed to make our swimmers more determined and everyone swam with great heart. Yet the vicious tidal current effected our effort and within an hour we were clearly being driven far south of our expected landing vector at Cap Gris Nez and looking at a long swim of possibly 14 - 16 hours and even not landing at all.

Despite the seasickness and tiredness Becky Sherren, Will Hopkins and Brian Lo swam superb second legs. Yet we were drifting ever southwards and seemingly not getting closer to the coastline. Without this huge effort we would have had other difficulties later. Only as Tim Walton set off on the 10th leg could we see the French Coast. Finally they had the tangible objective to see rather than just look at a monitor on the electronic equipment in the support boat cabin. Yet the 6 knot tide pushed the swimmers ever westwards past Cape Gris Nez and on down the coast.

Then from 4pm the tide speed slackened and we started to make good headway actually in towards the coast. James Phillips put in a strong swim and we could finally make arrangements to land with Eddie Vining swimming with PN as the ‘rescue team’ for the remaining distance the boat could not cover due to the shallower water. Gus Selby dove in for the final effort and brilliant beams of sunshine seemed to welcome us to France.

After 11 hours and 38 mins Gus Selby stood up on the beach at Ampheuse and we had made it. And after just a couple of minutes and before anyone asked us for passports we started to swim back to the boat and the ride home! Any time under 12 hours is a fantastic achievement and a performance putting it in the top 25% of times ever swum by any relay team. This was the 5th fastest school team performances for a classic relay team.

Very tired and exhausted a very happy group returned to Dover Marina through deep fog at 8.55pm to meet family and friends.

24 hours later........
Waiting for the second swim attempt became a tense affair. On Thursday the swim for Friday was cancelled as winds and the nasty north easterly wind effected conditions.

The weather looked very poor for the following week with storms in the Channel. So it was decided as late as 8pm during Open Evening that the only chance left to swim was on the next morning Saturday 4th July. We had a '7 man special' squad so everyone who trained for the swim would get the full Channel experience. 2 girls from King’s High and 5 boys took part. Evie Gill, Alex Riley from KHS then Jon Gill (captain), Will Fieldhouse, Justin Yim, Ed Skudra, Henry Maynard completed the seven. Seb Burke did the most valuable and important role in team support.

July 4th 2009

We went from Dover Harbour at 6.50am and headed for Samphire Hoe, created by accumulating the chalk that had been smashed and taken from the Channel Tunnel tunneling operation. Waved off by parents and friends at 0743am (2 hours before high tide to maximize the daylight) Jon Gill ploughed into the rolling swells. For three hours we were driven by the S/W winds and then as the day temperature dropped by just a couple of degrees everything changed as we swam into 5+ hours of dense fog. Visibility dropped to 200m in all directions. Water temperatures hit a new low of 12C – 13C for long periods. Will Fieldhouse and Evie Gill swam with determination after the initial shock of the cold seas and wave motion. Sea temperatures dropped by 2 degrees celcius from the second to the fifth hour. We could have been stopped for 3 or 4 reasons other than exhaustion, intense cold, cramp affecting several swimmers & sea sickness created by the chop, chop, chop motion of the waves. With chattering teeth, sore limbs and aching bodies the swimmers were lifted into the stern after each full hour of swimming. The team effort was impressive to get the finishing swimmer on board and wrapped up in towel, the giant red fleece coat and a blanket.

The pilot boat had a spell gushing diesel – so would we have enough fuel for a full swim? Then we went down to just one engine for 8 hours to eek out the fuel supply. Justin Yim swam very strongly despite having been seasick before his leg. A brave and determined effort set the tone for the difficult conditions. Alex Riley & Ed Skudra swam well while eerily around the pilot boat the fog horns from the tankers and ferries blared out leg by leg. The swimmers were kept close to the boat rail to remain in view. Henry Maynard on the 7th leg took the team over the Channel Separation Line and into French territorial waters. It is amazing the fortitude, determination and courage, each and every swimmer displays during a Channel attempt.

Then the other unknown threat to any attempt was realised as the tide changed and we were travelling westwards in a strong running tide rather than southerly to the coast. If we drifted on past Cape Gris Nez in the grip of the tide (like the first team had earlier in the week)it could have been a 16+ hour swim in the offing. The Pilot gave the swimmers a warning that we may have to stop the attempt if this happened. A huge second swim effort would be needed to get in closer to the coast.

Jon Gill, Will Fieldhouse and Evie Gill all pushed hard with the team on the boat exorting each to them to greater efforts. 10 hours after leaving Samphire Hoe Justin Yim swam out of the fog into the sunshine (at last) which lifted everyone’s spirits and we could see the whole of the France coast from Calais to the Cape. At 6pm the tide effect calmed enough to let us make some real headway towards the coast and it was very sunny for the last 2 hour+ effort into the beach. Confidence improved with the belief that we would make it but the swimmers' also recognised how far they still had to do. Alex Riley swam with a great effort to clear the target marker buoy east of Cape Gris Nez. It remained very cold. Now we could hope to land on the east side of the Cape and perhaps in under 13 hours. Ed Skudra was expected to complete the swim as we moved into the lea of the headlands and perfect seas conditions now prevailed. After 30 minutes on his own PN dived in to support Ed's final push for the shore as the pilot vessel Seafarer II reached the shallows and stoppped.

After 12 hours 38 mins (exactly an hour slower than the first 6 man team on Wednesday) Ed Skudra ran up onto the golden beach east of Wissant and some 6 miles higher along the coast from Ampheuse. For the first time on a Warwick School relay conditions were such to allow everyone to swim into the beach for a team photo.

Conditions for the return were a complete contrast to the previous 12 hours - so smooth a sea and a pleasant warm breeze. You could easily see both coasts with the full moon above France and the sun setting slowly over Albion. Conditions like these are seldom found in the Channel and the swimmers, fast asleep, mostly missed it!

It is a delight to report they have pledges of over £10,000 for their chosen charity Acorns Childrens Hospice. It may well be the swimmers will raise over £12,000 by September. If this is the case they will have added more than half again to the 2009 charity total raised by the school.

TEAMS ANNOUNCED

The English Channel Swim teams were announced by swim coach/teacher Peter Nield.

The team ages range from 14 - 18 years old. Theyt are training in Dover this Saturday and then waiting for the right conditions to swim across to France. The tide means they will start in the early dawn light at 5.35am. Friends and family will wave the team captains off as they start on Shakespeare Beach, Dover. 10-16 hours later the teams hope to be off the French headland of Cap Gris Nez ready to complete this amazing challenge.

Warwick /King's High will be the only school with 2 teams attempting the Channel this year. We are the only school to offer these chances to the pupils and our first ever joint team with King's High.

The six man classic relay swim will swim first:
Captain Becky Sherren, Will Hopkins, Brian Lo, Tim Walton, JJ Phillips, Gus Selby with team reserve being Eddie Vining.

The second team will be a 7 man special squad:
Captain Jon Gill, Will Fieldhouse, Evie Gill, Justin Yim, Alex Riley, Ed Skudra with Henry Maynard and Seb Burke as team reserve.

THE EVENT & SWIM RULES

The English Channel is the world's busiest and one of the coldest channels to conquer. Every attempt needs all the key factors to fall into place - conditioning, fitness, teamwork and mental toughness allied to a skilful pilot, the right weather and tide conditions and finally a slice of luck!

3 girls and 11 boys will swim and test themselves in the hardest outdoor swim possible. The aim is to complete 'the iconic marathon' swim. There is no one to pace you as you swim. As a swimmer you have to believe in your ability and follow instructions and if your lucky it might all come together for a fantastic swim & contribute to the team's success.

Rule costume/equipment: 1 hat, googles if you wish, one standard swimsuit. No special race suits /buoyancy aids or physical support is allowed.

Rule time of swim/takeover: Each swimmers swims one hour at a time in strict rotation and on their own. Once all six swimmers have been the order of swimming is repeated until the team reach France. A takeover swimmer passes by and the swimmer who has finished his/her leg returns to the support boat.

Rule completion of the swim: The last swimmer stands up and walks 3 metres above the waterline without help or support. Only then will the swim be completed.

TRAINING SO FAR

Lake training started in mid May and the reality of the task and severity of conditions hit home with a light drizzle falling on arrival for their first open water swim and persisted during the outdoor changing and safety briefing. Water temperatures at Swan Pool, Sandwell in the low fifty's farenheit without a wetsuit is not for the feint hearted or only perhaps for the foolish? For potential channel swimmers there can be no added protection of a neoprene layer.

Only one swimmer on the current training squad, Elliott Duck and teacher/coach/bus driver Peter Nield, have had first hand experience of the testing cold and motion of the Channel. Elliott was one of Warwick School's first team to complete the crossing from Dover to Cap Gris Nez in July 2006.

Swim I - 18 Warwick swimmers travelled to Swan Pool on May 12th. Everyone had to complete a set 15- 20 minute swim test in the sub 55 degree water. It was clear everyone found their swimming technique, stamina and fitness affected by the cold water. From the immediate problem of taking a full breath once in the water, the rapid feeling of numbness of the face when in the water, movement stiffness, cramp and a loss of coordination on standing up when leaving the water were all problems to cope with. Everyone passed the test and no one quit. Some had less side effects from the conditions - some more with shivering or getting cramp once changing.

Swim II saw the swimmers going for 1 or 2 laps of Swan Pool. Very choppy conditions with brief white caps across the lake made it a difficult test for a second ever swim outdoors. The swimmers spent a respectable 14 to 15 minutes making a first lap as a group and 5 made a faster second lap showing good rytham and improved directional swimming. Cold feet and fingers were evident but on reflection a good session for everyone.

Swim III is on Sunday 24th May had the complete opposite conditions - sunshine, flat water and a good air temperature made for almost perfect training conditions. Despite being half term 11 hardy souls and completed two or three laps and over 35 minutes of swimming.

The current fastest lap was set by Becky Sherren at 11 mins 25secs & who went on to swim 36mins 50secs for 3 completed laps. The distance challenge is to complete 5 laps in an hour. Everyone will be looking to get over 4 laps and swim an average of sub 15 minute laps in training.

Swim IV was another rough water experience. It must something about mid week swimming as 11 swimmers took on either 2 or 3 laps. In particular the home straight was very demanding.

Swim V during the second Sunday of half term was another glorious early summer morning. Top performances saw Sherren and Will Hopkins complete the first one hour swims of the season and 6 others complete new best distances. Alex Riley completed her 15 minute trial swim after injury and then completed her first lake lap.

Swim VI on Monday 1st July saw more calm water and 4 swimmers who had missed the half term swims plunge in to catch up. A minimum plan was 3 laps and the fastest swimmers Tim Walton and Hopkins completed 4 laps at a good pace.

Swim VII on Weds 3rd July was a pleasant afternoon with a team of 11 swimmers swimming in good conditions and 'warmer' water after the recent sunny spell. Several swimmers did their first 2 mile (4 lap)swim in under an hour and overall swim sppeds are picking up.

Swim VIII on June 7th saw Birmingham Lifeguards hosting their six hour swim challenge. Warwick entered 2 relay teams to race for the Sandwell Trophy. All potential channel swimmers were involved in our teams on the day. It was very wet for the 24 hours before and early on in the race on Sunday morning. Choppy colder water conditions were a struggle for everyone. Determination and perseverence were the order of the day. Becky Sherren set the fastest single mile swim of the day (11 secs of her previous best time) and won that competition. She swam on to complete her second 5 lap effort in under an hour. Shortly behind her were Will Hopkins who completed 9 laps (4.5 miles) and Brian Lo 8 laps(4miles)in two hours of continuous swimming. These are the 2 longest one off swims in either this or the previous Warwick Channel swim training and received special achievement certificates from the organisers. Will Fieldhouse, Alex Riley and JJ Phillips completed an hour each to total an impressive 13.85 miles in the six hours of their swimming. The deep cold and conditions stretched the swimmers. JJ Phillips swam twice in the day to total 1 hour 50 minutes in the water while Alex Riley and Ed Skudra completed over one and a quarter hours each in their 5 lap(2.5 mile) efforts.

Not to be outdone the other swimmers ( Walton, brother and sister Jon & Evie Gill, Skudra, Duck and Burke totalled over 12 miles in their 6 hour swim and were runners up in the team event.

Of course while we could celebrate the relay teams efforts & impressive long swims it should also be recognised that some of the other swimmers struggled and retired after a mile or so due to feeling unwell. Their big effort we hope will come on another day soon.

Swim IX was another cold summer evening. Water temperatures had remained very low overnight. It was going to be another challenge - those who had only done 2 laps the day before targetted at least an hour swim. Justin Yim swam 4 laps for the first time - the watching parents and lifeguards think he needs a 'sat nav' as Justin swims in large zigzags between the marker buoys.

With the '2 hour' swimmers resting before their school or public examinations 9 swimmers dipped in with no obvious lap leader on show. Sam Maguire(14), the youngest cold water swimmer, led the charge around buoy 3 and went on to a pb for the mile before he climbed out. The two Gills, Gus Selby, Will Fieldhouse and Henry Maynard all stay in for an hour to complete their personal 'one hour' challenge in the conditions.

Swim X was at Dover Habour on Saturday under the watchful eye of the doyen of Channel Swim training Freeda Streeter. Two dips took place after the team photo and safety briefing. A good first swim for approx 50 - 75 minutes depending on the speed of the swimmers was followed by ice creams for some before a second group swim that was faster and akin to the pace expected in the actual relay swims. Sunny conditions for most of the day were condusive to watchers and swimmers enjoying the conditions.

26 nautical miles swimming to France. A daunting yet exciting challenge that will be remembered for a lifetime. Clearly all the swimmers will need to spend as much time as possible swimming outdoors if they are to complete a successful Channel Swim. All team members will have to do a 2 hour outdoor conditioning test towards the end of June to be available for selection to one of the school relay teams.