Channel Relay with The Summer Solstice Silkies

Meet Tracey Wilkinson, our Lifestyle Partnerships Manager, and Lou Tyler, a Swim Teacher at Meridian Leisure Centre. Their inspiring mission? To conquer the challenge of completing a channel relay – And... they have now completed it!

They were joined by Alison Boardman (a member here at our Louth venue), Kathryn Pinder (who swims with Dolphin Masters & Louth Triathlon Club), Victoria Jacklin and Denise Cant (who is the organiser). The group joined forces to create a formidable team, known as…

‘The Summer Solstice Silkies’! ?

Tracey and Lou began their journey two years ago upon their return to Grimsby and Cleethorpes Water Rats. They were both tempted by Water Rats club member, Denise, to take part in the challenge! As Tracey comments, ?

“The very first day I pulled up in my car, Denise asked me if I fancied going to France to do some swimming? Of course I said, yes!”??

What Tracey didn’t quite realise at the time, was that it would be a channel relay swim… There was now a potential mammoth journey that lay ahead of her…But Tracey, being known as someone who is always ready to take on a challenge and push her limits in order to achieve great things – she was already drawn in and now, is officially hooked!??

The determined ladies are no strangers to the water. Tracey has undertaken the Humber Swim before and swims regularly in her free time – And Lou is a superb Swim Teacher who has always enjoyed wetsuit open water swimming. She has been encouraged to give it a go… Just without the wetsuit! Lou admits,?

“It sounded like a good idea at the time…”?

Before the relay, they had to build up to a two-hour qualifier, swimming in water at temperatures of 15 degrees or less! They completed at the end of last Summer, then had to repeat the process in April when the water in the docks was only around 13/14 degrees. Admittedly, they found this to be a huge challenge, even after a lot of training!?They both agreed,?

“You just get fed up of being cold!”??

Training itself has been demanding, of course physically, but also mentally. They have both experienced feeling like they are going backwards and not forwards, no matter what training they were doing. But one thing remained consistent and that is that they have all supported each other throughout.?

The challenge was soon upon them and they made the journey over to Dover, last week!?

What did it involve???

The group swam from Dover to France, swimming one hour at a time in a dedicated order (which could not be changed). Therefore, this meant that if the order changed, or if someone couldn't complete their swim, the group would not be able to complete their challenge… It was entirely a team effort. Out of six, Lou was number two and Tracey was number five!?

When they were not in the water swimming, they were waiting on the boat for their next swim and helping teammates to prepare for theirs! (Of course, time on the boat was also importantly spent trying to warm up and fuelling up on food and water.)

Tracey tells us,??

“You learn your limits and look out for each other. We have learnt a lot about each other in the process. It is not just about the swimming.”?

Joining them on their journey was their designated boat called Sea Leopard. The Sea Leopard is equipped with an extremely experienced pilot and an observer. Safety is paramount during their relay. They faced challenges like sea sickness, fatigue and of course, feeling extremely cold! At any time, if the pilot or observer felt that someone was not well enough, or the weather conditions were poor, the relay would be stopped.??

“Personally, it will be a relief when it is over as it has been such a long time in the making…it will just be a big achievement.”????

After taking part in the relay last week we are thrilled to tell you that they completed it in 13hrs 56 mins! What an incredible achievement.

Their challenge has raised ￡4,408.75 of ￡2,000.00 target!

This all-women’s team have funded their endeavour, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly towards supporting Grimsby’s Women’s Aid.

If you want to show your support, you can donate here.