On committing to undertake this swim, I was immediately intrigued with the mystic of the Fastnet lighthouse, located in the Teardrop of Ireland. I was aware of the outstanding beauty of the area and natures forces through the notorious Fastnet yacht race. I was hooked!
With the swim date set for the 7th August 2022, I arrived the day before and stayed in a community centre in the nearby town of Leap. I had passed my long-time friend Grainne Moss on the road in, who had swum a new women’s record the previous day , in favourable conditions. No pressure! She was buzzing and full of enthusiasm after her swim. The community centre is rumoured to be haunted, but the only thing moving around in the middle of the night was me sorting out my food and bottles with fellow swimmer Chris Judd, who would also swim in the same window. Chris had even brought the one and only Jordan Lecky, the North Channel record holder, his lucky mascot!
I set off at 4.30am to meet Noel and Ciaran the skipper at the harbour in Baltimore. I also met and my brilliant observer Roisin. The sky appeared on fire, as first light broke. Not a cloud to be seen. Noel was busy pointing out visible planets and stars. We had arrived.
At 05:43, I hopped of the deck and swim to the rocks, the lighthouse towering of me. I was a mere spec. Wit ha blast of the boat’s horn, I was away. The crew and hubby had me sorted for feeds throughout, encouraging me, watching me and monitoring my wellbeing. Noel even organised some dolphins and a minke whale at no extra cost. I had never done a swim with a boat before, but the crew and facilities gave me great confidence, not to mention keeping me entertained the whole way!
The sea conditions were beyond perfect, with the water felling warm, with the exception of a few ‘cool spots’. The sun was soon on my back and beautiful scenery was abound. Soon the clifftops near Baltimore came into view, signalling the final section of the swim. Both our and Chris boats were having a good day. I touched the slip at Baltimore in a new women’s record time of 5hrs 37mins. Chris also soon hit the slip with one of the fastest ever men’s times. Happy days!
This swim was a once in a lifetime experience. A long-lasting bond formed with everyone who was there on the day, swimmers and crew. Chris and I have become great friends from this experience and drank many more pints of Murphys, but few have been more refreshing than those with our teams, at Jacob’s Bar, post swim. Chapeau Fastnet!
