SCOTT DAWSON - Non stop swim around the Isle of Wight
Record breakers
Over the past few weeks, we have been learning more about the challenges involved in organising a swim around the Isle of Wight. There are a lot of different aspects that need to be considered, and they say behind every man there is a great women (or something like that!), and thankfully I have my wife to organise me and the swim, but she can't do it alone! The 'team' is the only way that this challenge has a hope of being successful, and I am really fortunate to have great people that have offered their services. Over the years I have been privileged to have sailed and worked with some incredible people.
Apart from the actual physical aspect of swimming. It is hard to define what is the most important role within the team, but one that stands out is the Navigator. It is approximately 60 miles around the Isle of Wight, and I don't need to add any unnecessary distance.
I am so pleased that (subject to not being seconded back to his real job at the last minute) Brian Thompson has agreed to be the navigator for the duration of the challenge. Brian made it into the history books by becoming the Briton with more multihull sailing miles than any other Briton today. A vastly experienced and successful offshore racer, Brian Thompson has been racing the two and three-hulled speed machines for more than twenty years and has notched up more than twenty-five sailing records, setting him apart from every world class sailor on the grand prix circuit. He currently works on this amazing machine - Phaedo
It may seem at odds that 'The fastest man on the planet' will be on a boat for nearly 24 hours, and only managing a paltry 60 miles, but he knows how to make it count when it matters, and it is a huge boost to me personally having Brian put his name to my project. But more than that having him onboard gives me complete faith that the direction I am swimming in will be the best one, meaning I don't have to worry about it!
I have been asked so many times if I am going to try break the record for swimming around the island, and to be honest just swimming around would have been enough, but my closest friends and family will probably know by now, that my competitive spirit will kick in and if there is a chance of breaking a record, why wouldn't I give it my best shot. After all, I do have a great team to help me make an attempt on Alison Streeter's 21 hour and 2 min record set in 1984.
Over the past few weeks, we have been learning more about the challenges involved in organising a swim around the Isle of Wight. There are a lot of different aspects that need to be considered, and they say behind every man there is a great women (or something like that!), and thankfully I have my wife to organise me and the swim, but she can't do it alone! The 'team' is the only way that this challenge has a hope of being successful, and I am really fortunate to have great people that have offered their services. Over the years I have been privileged to have sailed and worked with some incredible people.
Apart from the actual physical aspect of swimming. It is hard to define what is the most important role within the team, but one that stands out is the Navigator. It is approximately 60 miles around the Isle of Wight, and I don't need to add any unnecessary distance.
I am so pleased that (subject to not being seconded back to his real job at the last minute) Brian Thompson has agreed to be the navigator for the duration of the challenge. Brian made it into the history books by becoming the Briton with more multihull sailing miles than any other Briton today. A vastly experienced and successful offshore racer, Brian Thompson has been racing the two and three-hulled speed machines for more than twenty years and has notched up more than twenty-five sailing records, setting him apart from every world class sailor on the grand prix circuit. He currently works on this amazing machine - PhaedoIt may seem at odds that 'The fastest man on the planet' will be on a boat for nearly 24 hours, and only managing a paltry 60 miles, but he knows how to make it count when it matters, and it is a huge boost to me personally having Brian put his name to my project. But more than that having him onboard gives me complete faith that the direction I am swimming in will be the best one, meaning I don't have to worry about it!
I have been asked so many times if I am going to try break the record for swimming around the island, and to be honest just swimming around would have been enough, but my closest friends and family will probably know by now, that my competitive spirit will kick in and if there is a chance of breaking a record, why wouldn't I give it my best shot. After all, I do have a great team to help me make an attempt on Alison Streeter's 21 hour and 2 min record set in 1984.
I am delighted to announce that the Marine Conservation Society is the other charity that I will be swimming around the Isle of Wight for. It means a huge amount to me, as I have spent most of my life, in and around water, and I hope that in future years, our children will also be able to enjoy the water in the way that I have and still do.
The
Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. In it, on it, under it or by it - however you love the sea, please support MCS and become part of the movement to save our seas. They work to reduce marine litter, protect wildlife and habitats and encourage people to only eat sustainable seafood to preserve our seas for generations to come.
It is great that this challenge is able to highlight the work that this charity does. Please click on the link below, to donate as much or as little as you can.
It has been a while!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and the New Years resolutions are still holding up!
As some people may be aware, I contracted meningitis when I was 5 months old, and only Mum and Dad could tell you how they felt when I was given a 50/50 chance of survival.
Thankfully I pulled through, and the doctors recommended my parents put me in a swimming pool, as part of my rehabilitation. The rest, as they say, is history. After a bit of practice I managed to compete internationally in swimming galas, before being introduced to sailing. Which, after more practice, led me to compete internationally, and that competitive streak has never left me.
Now I have a family of my own, and I can fully appreciate what my parents went through in hospital that night, and I am lucky, that thanks to Polly, I have 2 beautiful children who are healthy and strong.
I feel it is now time to give something back, and I am so proud to announce that one of the charities I aim to raise funds for, through this challenge is Meningitis Now :
- Provide a powerful, united voice for individuals, families, communities, experts and professionals who know just how devastating meningitis (and septicaemia) can be.
- Save lives by funding research into vaccines and prevention.
- Reduce the impact of the disease by raising awareness, empowering people with the knowledge and information they need to get urgent medical attention if they suspect meningitis.
- Rebuild futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of meningitis.
- Raise the funds we need to deliver our vision, inspired by the individuals and families at the heart of our organisation
Please feel free to DONATE now.
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