Always on
This project successfully funded on 15th August 2023, you can still support them with a donation.
1,000 Metre Swim in Open Water
Stroud, England, United Kingdom
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Aim: I intend to swim 1 km non stop in open water in aid of the Britannia Sailing Trust, a charity that is restoring a historic wooden boat.
I first came across Britannia when we sailed on her around the Hebrides in the mid 90's. Since then she has had several changes of ownership and was in danger of disintegrating beyond repair, when Sam and Vicki, who ran the sailing holidays, found her, bought her, set up a charity to help save her and have spent the last 10 or more years fund raising and restoring her, and at an age when most people would have put their feet up and been having a well deserved rest See https://britanniasailingtrust.org
Initially, I was a supporter, and then became a Trustee and now I am Chair of the Trustees.
The project has reached the stage where the boat is water tight and she is ready to be refloated in Exeter Harbour on 24 September. As ever, money is tight so I decided to set myself a physical challenge to raise some funds.
This winter, work focusses on fitting her out and getting ready for sea trials in 2025, Once everything is right we will start to use the boat to provide life enhancing experiences for disadvantaged people.
We also plan to offer training in traditional boat maintenance and sailing skills. We have already started training two apprentices. Both are delightful young people, who were previously unemployed; they started as volunteers, but showed such enthusiasm we soon offered them apprenticeships.
It is an inspiring charity and I would not be asking for your support if I didn't believe in what it is seeking to do.
Swimming 1000 metres non-stop may not sound like much to some, but until four weeks ago I hadn't swum properly for well over 10 years. I have never swum that far and the ASA 440 yards certificate is probably my previous best, so this will be quite a challenge for me. My wife, who is regular swimmer, said, "I didn't think anyone could swim that slowly and still stay afloat." I have started training and aim to complete the challenge by the start of September.
Please give whatever you can to support this wonderful charity. Would a penny per meter be too much to ask? That would be £10.00 if I go the distance, I certainly won't be going any further!