On Saturday 5th July, 65 swimmers will take to the water to cross the Solent from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay.
Together, they aim to raise up to £30,000 for the charity that runs the West Wight Sports and Community Centre.
A key event for the West Wight community
This will be the 15th time the Centre has organised the event. Over the years, more than 400 people have completed the swim.
The swim has now raised over £300,000 in total and is seen as the highlight of the Centre’s calendar.
It has become a major event for the West Wight community, bringing people together to cheer on the swimmers and support the cause.
Early morning start, strong volunteer support
The swimmers will leave Hurst Castle at first light and are expected to arrive at Colwell Bay from around 6.30am.
They will be supported in the water by 40 volunteer kayakers, seven RIBs, Freshwater Lifeboat and Needles Coastwatch.
The Yarmouth Rose, a Needles Pleasure Cruiser, will carry them to the start point, and volunteers will oversee the departure and safe arrival of all 65 swimmers.
Captains Cabin at Colwell will open early, offering teas, coffees and bacon rolls for both swimmers and supporters.
A special year for Centre Manager Clare Griffin
Clare Griffin, Centre Manager, said,
“We are so excited and proud to running our 15th Cross Solent swim raising much needed funds for our Centre.
“We are a community hub providing essential services supporting the mental and physical well-being of everyone in our community.
“Providing this challenge means so much to us as we see so many swimmers training for the event and eventually achieving the feat of swimming across the Solent.”
This year Clare will also join the swim. She is using the event as preparation for a longer 33.3 km swim in Montenegro later in the year.
