Having conquered the North Channel in 2023, I was already thinking about my next challenge. The Fastnet Lighthouse had always fascinated me. I remember being a young lad at sea, hearing about it in the shipping forecast, and wondering where it was. So when I found out that the Fastnet Swim was the second leg of the Irish Triple Crown, I knew it was the perfect challenge for me.
Planning the Swim
I reached out to Fastnet Swim, and from the very first contact, the team there was incredible. They were supportive and professional every step of the way. We arrived in Ireland a few days ahead of my swim window, taking the opportunity to swim in Loch Awe and soaking in the incredible surroundings as we awaited the call to swim.
On August 1st, I met the boat, Radiance, in Baltimore Harbour. The weather was perfect — clear skies and calm conditions. The swim would start at the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse, and the boat ride out there was breathtaking. Baltimore Beacon greeted us as we passed, an impressive sight, and as we drew closer to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, I could feel my excitement growing.
The Swim Begins
At 08:27, I jumped in. My heart was racing, but there was no turning back. I was finally swimming in waters I had dreamed of. As I made my way from the lighthouse, I had to keep looking back to watch the landmark slowly disappear behind me. It was surreal.
From the get-go, everything went smoothly. Kieran piloted Radiance expertly, and my hourly feedings were spot-on. A huge thank you to Laura and Noel for their tireless support throughout. The experience felt a little strange, though. Usually, when I swim in open water, it’s just me and the boat. But for this swim, land was always in view, a constant reminder of the incredible scenery around me.
Crossing the Halfway Point
I remember passing the standing stones on Cape Clear Island. In my mind, I had marked this as the halfway point. Shortly after, we passed by Sherkin Island, with Baltimore Beacon towering in the distance. The first part of the swim was smooth, with the tide working in my favour, pushing me along at over 3 kph. The feeling was exhilarating.
However, as I approached the final stretch, the tide began to shift, and the current worked against me. The swim slowed, and the final miles felt much harder. We weaved around moored boats as I neared Baltimore Harbour, and finally, I made my way into the harbour, landing at the slipway.
A Personal Victory
The total swim time was 7 hours, 27 minutes, and 50 seconds — and every minute of it was worth it. The entire experience, from start to finish, was amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I am grateful to Kieran, Noel, Nathan, Laura, and everyone at Fastnet Swim for making this such a memorable journey.
As I finish this leg of the Irish Triple Crown, I look forward to the next challenge: Galway Bay. But, in the back of my mind, I know that one day, I’ll be back to swim the Fastnet again.
Conclusion
This swim was more than just a personal achievement; it was an adventure that brought me closer to the spirit of the sea. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. If you ever find yourself in Ireland, with the Fastnet Lighthouse standing proud on the horizon, know that there’s a way to experience it like never before — from the water itself.
