Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club
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JANUARY

12/01/2015 -  just a few reminders...

Happy New Year from the JLDSC! Now into 2015 just a few reminders....

Membership fees are now due for the year. Please visit the documentation section to find a membership form that can be filled in and returned  either in the post or on Tuesday nights club sessions.

Tuesday night pool swimming has now resumed. 6.30pm for juniors and 7.30pm for seniors.  Swim fees are £30 (for the period January to June)

If you wish to take part in the swimarathon on Saturday 14th march at 4pm , please email Chantelle (chantilly94@hotmail.com) or  sally (dolfinsal@hotmail.com)

20/01/2015 - Fancy a new swimming cap?

Still swimming in the sea? 
These hats prove what a brave (or stupid) sea swimmer you are! But there are some rules...You have to earn them!

Chilly Dipper (Orange) - 12 degrees or under for 10 minutes or more!
Beluga (Blue) - below 9 degrees for 10 minutes or more!

If you wish to purchase after successfully completing the challenge, they costs £5 each.

Photographic evidence is accepted, if no committee member is present!


Picture

FEBRUARY

08/02/2015 - Postal swim

Just reminding you that we are taking part in the BLDSA Postal swim again this year.
Basically, we count the number of lengths you swim in an hour.

The junior session will swim next Tuesday 10th at 6.30pm  and the seniors will swim Tuesday 24th at 7.30pm.

Please turn up early so that we can start promptly and please bring along someone who can record your number of lengths. 

MARCH

18/03/2015 - Swimarathon thanks

Well done to everyone who took part in the swimarathon on Saturday. We raised about £1000. 

Well done to Chantelle for organising the teams.

APRIL

14/04/2015 - Pool training is about to start...

Just a reminder that pool training at the Aquasplash starts again on Tuesday 21st April, so that gives you an extra week off! It is a short term of 5 weeks finishing on Tuesday 19th May. After May half term we shall be swimming down at St. Catherine's on a Tuesday night.

Keep an eye on your emails for our Sunday swimming programme soon.

25/04/2015 - The swim programme is up!

The swim calendar section of the site has been updated with organised swims up until the end of June. We are still waiting to hear the dates for the JSC sea swims and so will send out the full programme then.

MAY

18/05/2015 - Nautilus Trust Round island relay

As you might be aware, a couple of years ago we hosted an inter services round island relay event raising money for Holidays 4 Heroes. 5 teams took part including one  from the JLDSC.

We are hosting a similar event this year again raising money for H4H. The committee have decided that if possible we would like to enter a 6 person team of youngsters.

So if you are aged between 14 - 18 and would like to be involved then please let Jennt know (fitz18@hotmail.com) and she 
will send on more info.

The dates for the event are Saturday 12th - Friday 18th September. 
21/05/2015 - Pool swimming update

Pool swimming at the aquasplash has now finished for the summer.

There is no swimming next Tuesday because of half term week.

Tuesday nights resume on 2nd June at St. Catherine's at 6.30pm for everyone.

JUNE

01/06/2015 - Request for helpers!

It is just over a month until our first Round Jersey swim and we are looking for volunteers to help out on the boat this summer.
It is highly likely that we will have swims this season where 'Charlie' is the only recognised pilot on board especially Tuesdays through to Thursdays inclusive as his usual wing-man and fellow pilot Mick Le Guilcher may well be working.The Club has operated on the good will of both Mick and Charlie for over twenty years and it is well overdue to recruit new crew.

Initially a volunteer would not necessarily require an RYA qualification, although that would be more than useful.The main requirement would be that once on board it may be twelve hours or more before you touch dry land again. So it helps to be able to 1) stay awake for long periods of time. 2) be able to either start very early or finish late. 3) act without any form of reimbursement. 4) be 16 or over . 5)have a sense of humour.

We are also going to set up a list of swim observers who would be able to come on board to record a log of any swim. The social qualities required for pilots would also be a very necessary attribute for any observers.

july

07/07/2015 - Application for JSC swims

Hopefully you have been emailed by the JSC for their annual 3 open water swims. Unfortunately closing date has passed for the St Aubins Fort swim, but you have until 15th july for the other 2 swims. Here is the form:
application_form_2015_-_all_3_swims_combined.pdf
File Size: 300 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

08/07/2015 - Team Coniston finally get there swim & Andy hurrys over to France

Congratulations to Team Coniston - Sylvia Trehiou, Wendy Trehiou, Adrian Follain, Dee Richards,  Chantelle le Guilcher and Steve Holley (skippered by Mick Le Guilcher), who successfully navigated there way round Jersey on 5th July in a cracking time of 11hrs 21mins. The team have been waiting for this opportunity since 2012, but after waiting so patiently completed their swim in near perfect conditions. Well done team!

There are plenty of photos listed on our Facebook wall so why not take a look!?

Also congratulations to Andy Truscott who completed a Jersey to France swim with Lionheart Pilotage in a fantastic time of 7hrs 7mins. Well done Andy!!
21/07/2015 - Jersey Masters Meet Reminder

Reminder from Graeme Lowe regarding the Jersey Masters Meet. .

The open water swim to be held on Sunday 20th September also doubles as our Senior Club Championships.
In order to be eligible for the Club champs, you will need to complete and pay for entry into this event selecting the 3k or 5k option as per the form. Also you will be a fully paid up club member and have taken part in a minimum of 3 Sunday club swims this year.

Our Club champion trophies will be awarded to the first male/female in 5km event.

Masters awards to the next swimmer home in 5km event in each age group

Masters awards to first male/female home in 3km event in each age group

Age groups ; 40-49, 50-59, 60-69

No wetsuits allowed for our club championships.

22/07/2015 - Success swims of late

The season well & truly has kicked in with some recent success in the open water.

Wendy Trehiou completed her 5th crossing of the English Channel (only the single this time!) in a fantastic time of 14hrs 24mins on 25th June.

There have also been 3 Round Jerseys attempted, with Sara Marley (12hrs 20mins - 16th July) & Lucy Roper (10hrs 37mins - 18th July) on-board Sea Swimmer 2 & Zoe Sadler with Lionheart Pilotage (11hrs 55mins - 18th July) all making the trip over from the UK to complete their swims respectively.

Also we had Ashleigh McLeish who is from the UK, but has spent 7 weeks over in Jersey training and has been a very welcome addition to our club, attempt an English Channel solo on 15th July. Unfortunately her courageous attempt didn't end in success but credit must be made as the conditions were not great and she battled valiantly for the time she was in the water.

Note - thats 98 cmopleted Round Jersey swims - whose going to be the 100th?!!??

Fantastic efforts from everyone! Well done!!

august

04/08/2015 - 1 course, 5 swimmers - the race to be the 100th! And not forgetting a certain North Channel swim!

The 1st of August proved to be a truly inspirational day of open water swimming. 5 Round Jersey solos were undertaken and amazingly 5 were completed. 2 were with the JLDSC and the remaining 3 were for the 'Grace Crocker Round Island Challenge (GCRIC)' (pitting runners, Stand Up Paddleboarders & Swimmers against each other). The heroic 5 (in order of time completed) were:

Simon O'Donoghue - 10hrs 41m (GCRIC)
Toni Buchholz - 10hrs 43m (GCRIC)
Craig Swart - 10hrs 44m (GCRIC)
David Coleman  - 10hrs 56m (JLDSC)
Steve Pallett - 11hrs 8min (JLDSC)

An absolutely amazing day of swimming and plenty photos can be found on our facebook page. Well done to all swimmers and support crews on a very busy of swimming in perfect conditions!

In addition to the swims, there was also the race to be the 100th completed Round Jersey solo swimmer. Before the day started, there had been 98 swims, which means Toni became the 100th completed Round Jersey solo swimmer. Congratulations Toni!

And how can we forget a simply stunning North Channel swim recently. On 22nd July Graeme Lowe undertook this swim. The North Channel extends itself as a body of water between North of Carlingford Lough to Rathlin Sound. It is a fast and strong body of water running up and down the Irish/Scotish coastline. Graeme completed the swim in 12hrs 27 mins and is officially to date, the oldest man to complete this swim. An amazing achievement. Massive congrats to Graeme and also his 1 woman support crew - Bianca, and the IlDSA observer and pilot Quinton Nelson and his team. 
10/08/2015 - Another Jersey to France ticked off!

Congratulations to Lisa Biddlecombe (UK) who completed her solo J2F in 12 hrs 56 mins!! 
Then earlier today (03:52 specifically!!) Tasmin Powell, started her swim from Jersey to France - also with Lionheart Pilotage. She blitzed through the water - and the copius amounts of jellyfish too - in a brilliant time of 6hrs 48 minutes, thus becoming the local woman's record holder.

As always a massive thanks to the crew for both swims, who without them the swim would not be possible. A special mention must go to the 'Chantelles' for their unusual style of cheer leading on Tasmins swim. There is a very 'cheeky' picture on our facebook group. Why not ask them all about it?! Apparently Sharpie's dont wear out anytime soon!
16/08/2015 - 'Wonder' Wendy conquers another challenge and our very own 'Tas'manian Devil fast tracks her way to France...

So, its been another fantastic period of swimming for the club.  

On the 10th August, Wendy (Trehiou) became the first ever person to swim solo from St Malo to Jersey with Lionheart Pilotage. She completed this swim in a fantastic time of 24 hours 7 minutes. Her completed track is below. The approximate distance is about 38 miles. Click here to be taken to the JEP article about the swim. A massive congratulations to her from all at the JLDSC!
Picture
19/08/2015 - 3 Round Jersey swims, 3 successes, plenty history made!

On Tuesday we had our first ever Austrian navigate their way round Jersey. Sale Savel completed his swim in a fantastic time of 10hrs 48mins. Congratulations! However this was just a pre-cursor for what was to follow the next day.

On Wednesday the Round Island swim record time was broken! Ross Wisby from the RAF in the UK swam around in less than perfect conditions in an amazing time of 9hrs 26m and 5secs! The previous men's time was 9hrs 35m set in 2013 by Owen O'Keefe from Ireland. The  Ladies record still stands at 9hrs 29m set last year by Michelle Macy 

Also on Wednesday Prabhat Koli (16) became the first Asian/Indian swimmer to swim around Jersey in an equally impressive time of 10hrs 11mins. Conditions on Wednesday started out amazingly. Ross was aiming to break the record so pushed it relentlessly all the way round! The conditions changed dramatically on the north coast as soon as they turned around St Catherine's breakwater. The sea stayed big (F4) until they passed Grosnez into St Ouens bay. This caused Prabhat to suffer sea sickness and therefore feeling cold so he was accompanied for an hour by swim buddy on the boat Jordan Sleight (JSY) also 16,  and in training for a round jersey relay next month.
This helped no end and undoubtedly picked Prabhats confidence up and finished strongly and smiling in perfect conditions at the end thankfully! Prabhat has been in jersey for a month's sea training in preparation for his English Channel swim next month so this was a great preparation swim for him - they both had a bit of everything to swim through yesterday!! 

However no swims happen without boats and crews. Sale was accompanied by his friend Max Beer, skiiper Mick Le Guilcher onboard Sea Swimmer 2 and observed by Fay de Gruchy. Ross was also accompanied by the JLDSC club boat Sea Swimmer 2, piloted by Charlie Gravett and observed by Jenny Fitzgerald and Alice Harvey and looked after by his fiancé Selina Burgess
Prabhat was escorted by pilot Gary Hill in Copasetic, observed by Sally Minty-Gravett and looked after by Jordan Sleight. 

It was a fabulous 2 days day, very well done to all 3 swimmers and all crews involved!!

21/08/2015 - Celebrating 40 years of English Channel relays

40 Years ago yesterday - the Channel Swimming Association organised an International relay race across the English Channel. The Jersey LDSC, formed in 1974 - entered a team - a very young team at the time Linda Devereux 14, Jane Luscombe 15, Robert De Ste Paer 14, Ian le Breton 14, Nigel Gates 19 and current JLDSC president - Sally Minty-Gravett 18.  Linda and Sally were also in training for their Channel swims at the time too!

The JLDSC team entered the race from France to England  and came 2nd out of about 11 teams - beatng the Professionals also in an amazing time of 9hrs 50 mins!

So this year - some of our committee are celebrating this with another Channel Relay - Today starting at 2am! The team name is  'JLDSC Rubies Relay'. The team will be (in no particular order) 

            Chantelle le Guilcher - 21, Round Jersey and 2 x Jersey to
            France swims and many relays including a Channel relay

            Alice Harvey - 24 - 2 x Round Jersey swims, Jersey to France
            and many relays including 2 Channel relays.

            Jenny Fitzgerald  - 48 - Channel, round Jersey and Jersey to
            France swimmer - this will be her first Relay!
            
            Adrian Follain 50 - Jersey to France swimmer and
            Round jersey relay swimmer - in training for a round Jersey
            swim!

            Fay de Gruchy 43 - "New Kid on the block!” - Round Jersey Relay
            swimmer and in training for Jersey to France swim.

            Sally Minty-Gravett  -58 - 5 Channel swims in 5 decades plus numerous solo
            swims worldwide and several channel relays too.
            
            Chantelle Rose - 47 - Channel, round Jersey, Jersey to France
            and round jersey relay - this is her first Channel relay.

We have been very fortunate that 'Columbia Estates' have helped pay some of the expenses for the relay and 'Aura, Air and Sound’ sponsored our team shirts and swim caps. Good luck to the team!!

Follow them here - CS&PF tracking - select boat as 'Anastasia' and the times between 0200 onwards from the 21st August. Happy tracking!

UPDATE 10/09/2015 - The team completed the swim in a brilliant time of 13hrs 52m. Well done to all and a fantastic achievment in representing the JLDSC!!

27/08/2015 - New video of a Round Jersey swim

Missed the video on our facebook page of Sale Savel's Round Jersey swim? Dont fear! Its now been added to our videos section for you to watch...

september

01/09/2015 - Junior Series Dates

Here are the proposed dates for the junior series this September. They are subject to confirmation. 

 Sunday 6 September,  Archirondel to Mikes slip HT 12.42 swim start 12.30
 Tuesday 8 September,  Mikes slip to St Caths  swim start 18.30
 Tuesday 15 September, Mikes slip to Archirondel and back swim start 18.30 Junior Championships 

Reserve date Saturday 19 September, HT 10.12 swim start 10.00

We are aware that the Sunday swim is different to what is on the swim programme and that's why these still need to be confirmed.
07/09/2015 - Record breaking Neil

So Guernsey to Jersey, a swim that has eluded all but one person in history (Ruth Oldham). One man took it upon himself to rectify this and made it his mission to swim the 20 miles from island to island. And finally on the 5th attempt Neil Faudemer completed his epic swim. What an absolutely amazing achievement!! Congratulations from all at the JLDSC.

More details around the swim and comments from Neil can be found at the following media links (all links open a separate window):

H20 Open Magazine
Jersey Evening Post
BBC News
ITV News
10/09/2015 - Its hoedown time!!
Picture
22/09/2015

Masters / Senior Championships update

On Sunday morning, in conjunction with the Jersey Swimming Club Open Water Masters Meet, we held our club championships.

Although a low turnout of members eligible to race, those who did all enjoyed a great swim in lovely conditions with not a jelly fish in sight!

The results were as follows:

Ladies Champion:   Alice Harvey
Mens Champion:  not awarded

Masters winners
3km ladies 40-49:  Fay de Gruchy
3km  ladies 60-69:  Dee Richards
3km  mens 50-59:  Steve Holley
5km ladies 40-49:  Jenny Fitzgerald

Well done to all!!

Sea swimming cancellation

The committee have decided to cancel all remaining Tuesday night sea swims due to the jelly fish problem.

Therefore there will not be swims on Tuesday 22nd or Tuesday 29th September.

Pool swimming will resume again on Tuesday 6th October, 6.30pm for juniors and 7.30pm for seniors.

Sunday 27th September swim update

The night swim has been cancelled because of the jelly fish problem at dusk.

Instead we would like to organise a swim at St Caths at 10am which would also act as our Junior Club Championships and part of the junior series.

Nothing is definite at present so please let Jenny know if you intend to take part and then she will just keep you informed of the details.

october

​26/10/2015 - Change of details for Halloween swim

There is a change of plan to the Halloween swim on Saturday 31st October.

It will now take place at Wayside slip, St Brelade's Bay at 7pm.

Followed by BBQ bacon rolls provided by the club. Please bring along your own hot drinks ( the café will be closed)

Fancy dress and carved pumpkins optional!

november

23/11/2015 - JLDSC Dinner and AGM

As per the norm for this time of year we had a good old fashioned party on saturday to celebrate all the successes of 2015. A fantastic hoe down was had by all. Pictures will be following very shortly so watch this space. Also a massive thank you to our 'Dinner Ladies Extraordinaire' Pat Roberts and Marilyn Le Guilcher. They are both amazing and their tireless work never ceases to surprise us all and is so much appreciated by so many; and the turn out was wonderful. Thank you to ALL the visitors who joined us in celebrating what has been another superb year for the JLDSC.

Following this successful party the AGM was held. There have been a number of changes on committee. These changes have now been updated on our committee contacts page.

We would all like to place on record our thanks and gratitude for everything Sally has done as president of this famous club. She was one of the original founding members and steps down after 27 years at the helm. She was done a wonderful job and will be handing over the club in good hands to new president Wendy (Trehiou) who also brings with her vast experience and knowledge in what we will surely be a seamless transition. In such grand fashion Sally's last act as president was to accept the honour on behalf of the JLDSC of being inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Click here for her thank you speech in recognition of this fantastic achievement. 

​Finally, it may be November and it maybe cold, but dont let that stop you joining us for our New Years Day Swim at 1045. Venue TBC. Hope to see as many of you there!! 
​

DECEMBER

14/12/2015 - Christmas Pudding swim 20th December.

​Just as a reminder, we are meeting at 10.15 prompt at Ouaisne, in the sea at 10.30, and in the pub at 11. Festive fancy dress welcomed! We expect Adrian will be sporting his festive tankini for us all...

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  • About Us
    • Past Presidents
  • News
    • 2023 News
    • 2022 News
  • Tracking
  • Swim Info
    • Documentation
    • Swims to take part in
    • Application process
    • Safety and escort procedures
    • Travel & Accomodation
    • Safe Sea Swimming
  • Swim Calendar
  • Rolls Of Honour
    • Solo Records
    • Round Jersey Solo
    • Round Jersey Relay
    • Jersey to France Solo
    • Jersey to France Relay
    • Other Channel Island Swims
    • English Channel Solo
    • English Channel Relay
    • Other UK swims
    • International Solo
    • Charity Events
  • Media
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
  • Safeguarding
  • Contact
  • Links