65 Swimmers To Cross The Solent In Aid Of West Wight Sports and Community Centre

Sixty-five swimmers will take to the water in the 15th annual Solent Swim, raising vital funds for West Wight Sports & Community Centre.

Next months challenge will see participants swim from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay, cheered on by supporters and safely guided by 40 volunteer kayakers, seven RIBs, Freshwater Lifeboat and Needles Coastwatch.

The event is expected to raise up to £30,000, supporting the centre’s mental and physical wellbeing services.

Over the years, more than 400 people have completed the swim, helping raise a total of £300,000.

The swimmers will be ferried across to the start line on the Yarmouth Rose, while volunteers coordinate their departure and arrival. Spectators can enjoy early refreshments at Captains Cabin.

Centre Manager Clare Griffin, who is also swimming the route this year, said:

“We are so excited and proud to be running our 15th Cross Solent Swim. It means so much to see so many people training for this and achieving the feat of swimming across the Solent.”

Clare’s own swim forms part of her preparation for a 33.3km swim in Montenegro later this year.