About the Swim

When:
June 11-19, 2020 – During a neap tide (A neap tide is a tide just after the first or third quarters of the moon when there is least difference between high and low water.). I do not know that exact date as it will all depend on the weather and sea conditions.
Where:
Launch will take place at Shakespeare Beach in Dover, England. The landing site is not possible to predict as the tides will change while I swim. If all goes well, I will make landfall somewhere around Cap Gris Nez, France.  The distance is a little over 20 miles, but my actual swim will be a little further as I will have to swim with the tide (i.e., I won’t swim in a straight line).
Organization:
There are two organizations that are authorized to conduct cross channels swims, the Channel Swimming Association and the Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation. I will be swimming under the Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation.
Logistics:
If I simply entered the water at Shakespeare Beach and started to swim towards France without any support, I would most certainly get lost at sea. Within the Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation there are a handful of pilots (boat captains) that are authorized to escort swimmers from England to France.  I have engaged Michael and Lance Oram to escort me across (they are brothers and only one will guide me across. I will know which one closer to my swim window).  Michael’s boat is called the Gallivant and can can be viewed here.  Lance’s boat is called the Sea Satin and can be viewed here. Both boats are similar in that they are both 36 foot Dutch Steel Motor Cruisers.
Rules:
The basic rules are that I must leave from dry land England and swim across the Channel until I stand on dry land in France without touching a boat. In order for it to be official, I cannot wear a wet suit, either. The only items I am allowed are swimming cap, goggles, beacon light (attached to my goggles), and a pair of “speedos”. Prior to entering the water, I will be allowed to cover my body in grease (i.e. Vaseline or goose fat) to help prevent chaffing. 
I will be able to feed/drink while in the water, but only from a rope and/or pole lowered from the boat to the water. 
A representative from the Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation will be on board the pilot boat to observe my swim and ensure I follow the rules. 
The Wildlife:
The first thing most people ask me is: “Aren’t you afraid of sharks?” The immediate answer to that is YES! Fortunately, there are not a lot of sharks in the English Channel as the water is too cold. The primary shark that has been seen in the Channel is the basking shark. While very large (20-26 ft), luckily they are filter feeders and primarily eat krill. 
On occasion, animals such as dolphins have appeared during swims.  
My biggest threat is going to jellyfish. They are very common in the English Channel. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a swimmer to sustain multiple jellyfish stings during the course of a swim. 
How long will this take?
The short answer is I don’t know. The time for people in the past has varied. To give a ballpark response, in 2018, the Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation reported that the fastest swim was 9 hours and 24 minutes. The slowest successful swim was 20 hours and 55 minutes. 
What will the training be like?
Very intense! I have already started training and I will continue to do so for the next 11 months.  I plan to peak at 60,000 yards of swimming per week. I will be posting on my training blog and I encourage you to follow along!
Why am I doing this?
I don’t have a rational answer for this. I guess the only answer I can come up with is because I have always wanted to do it, and because I think I can do it.