Inter-Services Cross-Channel Relay Race

This Inter-Service event began as an idea of pure internal Army rivalry when the AAC and associated Army aviation personnel, as part of their 25th anniversary, had challenged the Army to a swimming race across the channel. Recognising that the RAF and RN were always interested in open water swimming challenges, the invitation was broadened to make a wider 4-team race format.

Teams comprised 6 personnel, with a minimum of 2 females, with each swimmer taking it in turn to swim an hour before handing over to the next swimmer in the water. Any touching of the boat before handover would incur disqualification.

The RN won the race convincingly having gambled for a route north of the currents and finished their swim in a time of 11 hours 6 minutes, followed by the Army with 11 hours 42 minutes, then the RAF with 12 hours 5 minutes, and finally the Army Aviation team in a time of 14 hours 42 minutes.

Rightfully the finishing leg for the RAF was swum by team captain Sgt Simon Buchan who has been a driving force behind open water swimming for many years, but who retires from the Service in 2008. So it was up to him to swim the final few hundred metres and clamber out onto the rocks unaided, the final criteria of completing an official cross-channel swim.

Sponsorship monies for completing the crossing were raised by the teams for both the Diabetes UK and the Royal British Legion.

Team members:

Sgt Simon Buchan (Captain) RAF HIGH WYCOMBE

Cpl Simon Almond RAF CRANWELL

Flt Lt Teresa Walsh RAF HALTON

SAC Brian Beaton RAF LEUCHARS

SAC Shona Cowan RAF LYNEHAM

Cpl Aaron Giles RAF VALLEY