The Captain James Wadsworth Challenge Victory Swim 2018 will raise money for the Felix Fund, an explosive ordnance disposal charity.
The Victory Swim is an annual challenge supported by the UK’s Royal Navy which offers competitors a variety of swimming lengths and environments to present the ultimate challenge. The 2018 event will take place at Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, Lake 32 Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK on 6 September, and entries are now being accepted.
The Victory Swim is part of the series of Captain James Wadsworth Challenge events, which also include the Tour De Troops, which in 2018 took place on 7-11 June, and the Soldier Pass Run, which took place on 14 July.
What challenge does the Victory Swim pose?
The challenge is for swimmers to cross the English Channel and to reach continental Europe, but there are options to swim shorter distances of 400m, 700m, 1,500m or more, and to swim either in relay or crossing the distance in its entirety, for those who want to customise their challenge.
The Royal Navy will pilot the event and provide support boats, to ensure the safety of swimmers. Plans for 2019’s Victory Swim have also begun, with organisers confirming that the special event will also take place in September, subject to weather conditions.
What have the stakeholders said about the event?
Captain James Wadsworth welcomed the announcement of details of the event on behalf of his team of organisers, saying: “We are thrilled to release details for The Victory Swims, both provide an enticing challenge to those with a competitive spirit, as well as backing a wonderful cause.”
Those looking to sign up to compete can do so at the Victory Swim’s website, at a cost of £20 (~€22.60) per competitor, while those who wish to donate can do so at the charity’s Just Giving page. The event will also feature a barbecue and refreshments on site, for those who want to attend without participating.
