Kristy McIntyre and Clare McGirr (Team MAC), completed their 2 person relay of the English channel commencing at 11pm Friday 1 July 2011 and finishing at 1:37pm Saturday 2 July in a time of 14hours 37 minutes.
Here is a recap of their journey:
The journey began slightly earlier than anticipaated. We received the call from Neil requesting we take advantage of this great weather and that we should set off Friday 1 July night. Should we? This wasn’t what was planned? Despite our journey being accelerated, we did what all accountants do, the pros and cons list with the numbers deciding.
Friday began with a hearty brekkie at the Posh Cafe and a “team” discussion of our fears, thoughts, plans. We left confident and ready (and rather quite stuffed!).
The car trip down was the first “realisation” that everything was in motion. Still lining our bellies with pizza and coke we had a great trip down full of laughs and the odd song.
When we arrived in Dover took one look at the calm seas and the lights of France in the distance our nerves didn’t disappear but were slightly more at ease. We met Neil, loaded the boat and we were on our way.
We were taken to Samphire Hoe and so it began. Kristy was first man up and so she changed, greased up, lit up (as it was pitch black so bum and head lights were needed). We had a hug goodbye and good luck chat, then she was off. She swam to the shore, climbing out raised her hand, gave a wave, the horn sounded and we were off.
Kristy had brilliantly brought us out of Dover harbour, it was Clare’s turn to “wet” herself and jump in. “Swimmer entering the water” shouted from the official. Once those words muttered no going back and away Clare went. Clare had a slight mental GPS malfunction and started to swim back to Dover when she first jumped in but luckily for the team she became familiar with the boat, night swimming and the signals of Andy and France was back on track.
Kristy’s return to the boat was greeted by warm clothes and a very helpful Mark and Lee-Anne. Unfortunately the Aussie sea legs didn’t stand up to the test and here began our ever so important relationship with Mr Orange Bucket. Kristy managed to overcome the sickness and get some shut eye for an hour before it was time to grease up and commence her second dip in the pitch black just before sunrise.
Clare’s return to the boat mirrored Kristy and lucky for Mr Orange bucket she equally shared the love and became friends. Andy was brilliant in helping Clare overcome her belly problems and wrap her up warmly to try and get some sleep before it was her time to jump back in.
Sunrise was spectacular, both in and out of the water. It can only be described as magical, with the light giving way to calm flat ocean, Mr Sun was most welcome visitor as the chilly night air and ocean temps were nowhere near as toasty as the Tropics of the Serps.
Kristy and Clare soon got their two hours on and off down to a neat and organised routine. This routine driven by the amazing efforts of Mark, Andy and Lee-Anne. Each swim was becoming more and more enjoyable, with our crew feeding us in the water on the hour as the sun beaming down on our backs. Soon France looked really close. Kristy did a superb effort with getting us close to the coastline and it was Clare’s 37min sprint which made sure we didn’t go past the point which would warrant another possible 3 hours of swimming.
Touching France was indescribable. We had been training for that moment for the past two years. It was heaven.
All this joy and sense of achievement could not have been possible without the help of a lot of people, big thankyous must go to:
- Freda and the Dover beach crew. Many times we thought you were tough. You were nothing but tough, but you’re experienced and brilliant at what you do.
- Mark, Andy and Lee- Anne – our crew. Never once complained, always there to help, provided encouragement, mr bucket and a hug.
- Neil Streeter our pilot and his crew – well none of this is possible without a pilot and his crew. We were extra lucky having such a cool, laid back and even funny pilot.
- Nick the Fish – your help, guidance and support were instrumental in our success. It is funny to think that it all started in Malta and ended with a hug from you in Dover.
- Our Friends and Family – you have all been brilliant, supportive and understanding during our quest for success.
