Chloe McCardel Reaches France To Break Channel Crossing Record

Chloe McCardel. Photo Courtesy: Newgate Communications

Chloe McCardel Reaches France To Break Channel Crossing Record

Chloe McCardel has broken the men’s world record for the number of English Channel crossings after the Australian negotiated the stretch of water for the 35th time.

McCardel, a Melbourne-raised Sydneysider, took 10 hours and 40 minutes to complete the crossing – her fourth in a fortnight.

She left Abbot’s Cliff beach near Folkestone at 20:00 BST on Saturday, and arrived in France just before 07:00 on Sunday having successfully negotiated the 34km stretch of treacherous water in the world’s busiest shipping lane.

She intended to spend a few moments on the French shore before swimming back out to her support boat for the return journey.

She told the BBC:

“I’m in great spirits.

“I would like to have a little celebration this evening in England. I’m extremely lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support, from my English host to my support boat captains and crew, and I’m excited to celebrate this achievement together with them.”

There was relief too at having learned she had not fallen foul of the UK-France quarantine rules.

She was worried arriving in Calais would require her to self-isolate but she said coastguards have given her the all-clear.

The 35-year-old started her 21-mile swim from Abbot’s Cliff beach near Folkestone at 20:00 BST on Saturday, and arrived in France just before 07:00.

She intended to spend only a few moments on the French shore before swimming back out to her support boat for the return journey.

The Department of Transport had advised Ms McCardel to seek legal advice ahead of the swim with the Channel Swimming Association telling her it could go ahead.

McCardel said shortly before starting the attempt:

“They said Channel swims are allowed as long as you observe social distancing when you land and don’t stay on the shore for more than 10 minutes, which is standard practice for us.”

Ms McCardel is now second on the list of the most Channel swims, passing the men’s record of 34 held by Briton Kevin Murphy.

Equalling the women’s record will be a greater task, however – Alison Streeter, the “Queen of the English Channel”, has swum the distance 43 times.

Advertising: Shop At Swim360

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use