Jersey to France - 26 June 2011
Jersey to France is a 14-mile crossing, shorter than the English Channel, but with the same beach start, open water and a landing on the French coast. It's was my risky final test before I attempted the English Channel, maybe too close and too far.
Facts & Background
Distance: 14 miles (22 kilometres)
Route: Jersey to the Normandy coast of France
Governing body: Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club
Cost: (2011): £700 for pilot and escort boat
The swim begins at La Coupe, the closest point on Jersey to France. Although France lies almost directly east, the tides create a broad curved track, pushing the swimmer southwards and then northwards as the current turns.
The first successful crossing was made in 1966 by Denize Le Pennec. Sally Minty-Gravett and her brother crossed in 1978, followed in 1979 by Debbie Banks, my childhood training partner. Then came a gap of 25 years before swimmers began tackling the crossing again.
By 2011, only 16 swimmers had completed it. In recent years, the number of swims has increased significantly, with well over 100 crossings recorded at the time of writing.
Photographs from the Day
Thousands of years ago, when sea levels were lower, you could walk the route. Today, the crossing provides a natural stepping stone for swimmers preparing for the English Channel.
Original Film of the Swim
