Its a Loooong blog, get a cuppa and take a seat.
55 swimmers,
Another 50 /50 day today – Due to the newly formed sandbank out the back the big waves are still forcing a few swimmers to form a splinter group and take the half way option. Wise move folks. (swim to your ability, not beyond it)
Someone (I think it was Bond, John Bond) spotted a Port Jackson this morning on the way over. Visibility wasn’t too bad and the water didn’t make your teeth chatter which is always a bonus at 7am.
I can confirm that the water was 17.6 today. I know this because Dr Nick Dowson and his thermometer told me so. Photographic evidence of Dr Nick and his thermometer can be seen below. (he does look serious)
Here’s the video of Iain ‘s swim: http://www.vimeo.com/28068756
gaetan says “i have completed it. It’s a bit long but it’s hard to make a short video of a 15 hours swim :-)” Thanks GG
THIS VIDEO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Winter badge: Some more swimmer have got 20 swims under their belt and are now looking forwad to a badge in a few weeks time. Well done.
Into the deep: Ever wondered how deep the water is that you swim in? Check out the map on wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Shelly_Beach.jpg
B&B on tour: Here is an ‘on tour’ pic of Brad and I in Samoa a few weeks ago
Daily pics from james:
Daily pics from Steven:
Fact of the day time: On average, seawater in the world’s oceans has a salinity of about 3.5% This means that roughly one litre of seawater has approximately 35 grams of dissolved salts in it.
Water Temperature -. 17.6 (Thanks Dr Nick)
Air Temperature – Totally Tropical
Sunrise 6.25am.
Sunset 5.31pm.
15 comments
Tacomajim
24/08/2011 at 9:47 am
Thanks, Gaetan!
Very moving stuff, and we are all so lucky to be seeing this footage so soon. As if I was there in the boat with you, and in the water with Iain.
It’s certainly going to be great to see you both again. Now go and enjoy the Hellespont!
Tim 'The Blog' Ettle
24/08/2011 at 10:19 am
WOW.
Whilst watching this I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and I didn’t even swim! I’ve only known Iain a year but watching this really brings it home. It was, is and will always be a mammoth achievement. Also congrats to Gaeton for the video, I know how much time and effort it takes just to shoot, edit and upload a video. Thanks for sharing it.
Linda
24/08/2011 at 10:30 am
Awesome!!!
Thanks Gaetan for sharing a great video that Iain will always have of his amazing channel crossing. It almost makes me wish I had the courage, strength both physical and mental and willpower to ‘just keep swimming’ to do it myself – but I wouldn’t look good being dragged out a boat!!
Look forward to sharing a beer or 10 with you both xxx
Anna Alvsdotter
24/08/2011 at 12:03 pm
Luuurve that video Gaetan! Iain, you make swimming the Channel look easy 🙂 although you looked rather pooped afterwards I must say. Mammoth effort, especially in such freezing waters.
Tomorrow morning we’re farewelling our Dardenelle Belles with a breakky at Manly Wine after the swim. Hope to see many of us there 🙂
izzy
24/08/2011 at 12:47 pm
thanks Gaetan. That is one of the most gruelling difficult things I’ve ever watched. fabulous video but I kept saying “Come on Iain you can do it” even though I kinow the story has a happy ending. What a hero’s journey.
Looks worse than childbirth. At least training for childbirth is usually pleasant. xxx
Nick
24/08/2011 at 3:01 pm
Yep, awesome stuff Iain.. Gaetan, your skills are Lost with Cicso..
Little Tiger
24/08/2011 at 4:30 pm
Got a cuppa, sat down to watch the video, damn, should’ve grabbed the tissues. A beautiful event to watch, fabulous footage and commentary. Thanks Gaetan, and congratulations to Iain.
Speaking of childbirth Izzy, Iain did have that slippery, plump look of a newborn.
Great photos on the blog, did Nick need a pair of rubber gloves to go with his thermometer?
Goodluck and safe journey to the Dardanelles swimmers.
Pacific Jules
24/08/2011 at 6:00 pm
An amazing video, what a wonderful momento for Iain as well as all you guys on the boat, it really shows what a team event it is and what a mammoth effort Iain put in. Fantastic effort and such a wonderful achievement.
Gaetan you are a superstar, such a brilliant video capturing the torment of the channel crossing superbly. Thank you !! 🙂
Annette
24/08/2011 at 7:48 pm
Congratulations Iain, thank you Gaetan for the fantastic photos, commentary and video. Felt like we were on the boat with you. Enjoy your rest Iain and hopefully its a speedy recovery.
Diana
24/08/2011 at 8:15 pm
Amazing amazing swim from Iain, and thanks to Gaetan for the brilliant video of the event. I’m so inspired!!! Was also squeezing “come on!” to my computer like izzy!
John
24/08/2011 at 9:14 pm
Tremendous photos and video,Gaetan,made me feel like I was there on the boat. Can appreciate the time and effort in producing these images. Outstanding effort and achievement Iain,what a brilliant success story. Hope you are recovering well from your ordeal. See you soon.
Iain
24/08/2011 at 9:45 pm
Gaetan,
Thank you again mate! Your skills are beyond comparison and I shall treasure that video.
Looking forward to catching up in France mate.
Everyone can’t wait to catch up with you all soon.
Iain
Sandy Mc
24/08/2011 at 11:13 pm
Iain I’m so proud of you…….and you too Gaetan! What a wonderful supportive crew. I feel sea sick just watching you and those moving white cliffs. Are you recovering well? Bet you can’t lift your arms above your head! Everyone is full of admiration for you back here.
I’m really enjoying the blog updates.
Anna Alvsdotter
25/08/2011 at 2:24 pm
Which date are you back Iain?
Iain
25/08/2011 at 5:58 pm
Hi All,
I’m nearly fully recovered but have the biggest break from the ocean in sometime. Weather in Dover has been terrible over the past few days which highlights just how lucky I was to get my window (Thanks Collie).
I’ll be back on the 7th.
Love Iain