I have just come back from METS (Marine Exhibition Trade Show) in Amsterdam, and although it was very productive for the company I work for (Furneaux Riddall), I also managed to use some of the time to meet a few people that have agreed to help in what is being billed as 'Scotty's crazy idea!'.
My answer to the 'crazy idea' is as follows: It is a massive challenge, but by no means an impossible one - after all it has been done before! Whilst I was in METS I managed to catch up with Anna Wardley, a hugely accomplished endurance swimmer, who swam around the Isle of Wight in 2013, and by becoming the 4th person to do so also became the 9th Briton to be inducted into the elite 24 hr club, which recognises people who have swum for 24 hours non-stop.
It was great to catch up with Anna, and I took the opportunity to ask a couple of questions about swimming in the dark, and to get a better understanding of the importance of getting the timing right for the switch back at the Needles. This according to Anna is the most critical point, and could make or break the challenge within the first 6 hours, as if you arrive too early, the tide takes you too far to the West, if you arrive too late, the tide will be too strong to allow me to make any ground, and I wont get around the end of the Needles.
Despite most people thinking this is a crazy challenge, they are all extremely supportive, and many have pledged help in any way they can. I am pleased to announce that Colin Baldwin from Rib-X has agreed to supply 2 safety ribs for the training swims and the main event. These will be invaluable for the team, as these RIBS will be shadowing me the whole way, and they will be very comfortable for the people on board. Although capable of high speeds (40 knots plus), it will be a very sedate journey for the 24-30 hours.