Sunshine and calm winds provided ideal conditions for the 12th West Wight Sports and Community Centre Solent Swim on Saturday 23rd July.
Swimmers set off from Hurst Castle at 6:15am, arriving on the slipway at Colwell Bay from 6:40am, escorted by volunteers kayakers and flotilla of small boats creating a swim corridor, alongside the Freshwater Bay lifeboat crews ensuring the safety of everyone in the water.
A crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered on the beach at Colwell Bay to congratulate the swimmers as they arrived on the slipway.
Wilcock: An awesome experience
Dave Wilcock, from Ventnor took part in the event for the first time and said,
“What an awesome experience.
“I will definitely put my name down for next year… and the year after!”
Griffin: Thanks to our supporters
Centre Manager Clare Griffin thanked everyone who made the swim possible,
“Thank you to the 39 kayakers, nine boat crews, Freshwater Lifeboat, Captain’s Cabin, Yarmouth Harbour, Needles Pleasure Cruises, Blackhouse Quay Aggregates and all the beach crews – we couldn’t do it without you.”
The Solent Swim event is the main fundraiser for West Wight Sports and Community Centre, which relies on grants, donations and fundraising to provide sport, wellbeing and social activities for the community.
Now in its twelfth year, over 400 people have swum the Solent, raising over £200,000 for the charity.
News shared by Rachel on behalf of West Wight Sports and Community Centre. Ed
Images: © Michael Dangerfield
Drone Photography: © Lee Argle
