Round Jersey
Round Jersey swims traditionally start from Elizabeth Castle breakwater where you set off in an anti-clockwise direction around the island until you arrive back at the breakwater about 10-12 hours later. In the past some swims have started from Green Island for logistical reasons and Jane Luscombe’s swim started and finished at St Catherine’s Breakwater. A plaque commemorating her swim can still be seen at St Catherine’s breakwater today.
The Round Jersey swim takes in some beautiful scenery including long sandy beaches and rolling cliffs on the north coast. The scenery and location make this swim very unique and the friendly atmosphere of the club is very welcoming.
The swim is 41 miles in total, which may sound like a long way, but it is tidally assisted. On a strong tidal run the swimmer will be moving at almost 6 knots. The average swim will take between 10 and 12 hours.
Depending on conditions and starting time the pilot may organise a kayak to escort the swimmer through rocks known as ‘the gutters’ on the south coast but the club boat will escort the swimmer for the majority of the swim.
There are various vantage points from land so if you (the swimmer) have family or friends travelling with you they can follow the swim on land. Club members and committee will be more than happy to direct you to all the best vantage points!
The round Jersey swim can also be completed as a relay in hourly rotations.
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the club.
Records
2015 Ross Wisby (UK) 9hrs 26min (Record holder)
2014 Michelle Macy (USA) 9hrs 29min (Female record)
Round Jersey swims traditionally start from Elizabeth Castle breakwater where you set off in an anti-clockwise direction around the island until you arrive back at the breakwater about 10-12 hours later. In the past some swims have started from Green Island for logistical reasons and Jane Luscombe’s swim started and finished at St Catherine’s Breakwater. A plaque commemorating her swim can still be seen at St Catherine’s breakwater today.
The Round Jersey swim takes in some beautiful scenery including long sandy beaches and rolling cliffs on the north coast. The scenery and location make this swim very unique and the friendly atmosphere of the club is very welcoming.
The swim is 41 miles in total, which may sound like a long way, but it is tidally assisted. On a strong tidal run the swimmer will be moving at almost 6 knots. The average swim will take between 10 and 12 hours.
Depending on conditions and starting time the pilot may organise a kayak to escort the swimmer through rocks known as ‘the gutters’ on the south coast but the club boat will escort the swimmer for the majority of the swim.
There are various vantage points from land so if you (the swimmer) have family or friends travelling with you they can follow the swim on land. Club members and committee will be more than happy to direct you to all the best vantage points!
The round Jersey swim can also be completed as a relay in hourly rotations.
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the club.
Records
2015 Ross Wisby (UK) 9hrs 26min (Record holder)
2014 Michelle Macy (USA) 9hrs 29min (Female record)
Jersey to France
The Jersey to France swim is similar to the English Channel, just on a much smaller scale. The swim is 14 miles in a straight line but as any long distance swimmer knows, swimming in a straight line is a rarity! Taking tidal movement into account, the swimmer will cover a distance of about 15-18 miles. The average swimmer will take 7.5-10 hours to complete the swim.
The swim starts from La Coupe point, a small sandy beach behind St Catherine’s breakwater and most swimmers wade ashore at Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Plage on the Normany coast.
The Jersey to France swim can also be completed as a relay in hourly rotations.
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the club.
Records
2017 Robin Johnson (JSY) 5hrs 46min (Record Holder)
2017 Nichola Murch (UK) 6hrs 23min (Female record)