1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King's Harbour Master Portsmouth, that multiple Cross Solent Swims will take place between 17th and 20th September 2022, between Gilkicker and Ryde Sands.
2. There will be differing numbers of swimmers participating in each crossing. Each swimmer will be accompanied by a kayaker acting as an individual support craft. The lead support vessel is ‘SWIM CONTROL / REBEL ANCHORMAN’ MMSI 235016877 (LOA 10m blue multi role catamaran). There will be four other support vessels, ‘REBEL PROTECTOR’ MMSI 232029921, (LOA 8.5m dark blue RHIB), ‘ILLIOS’ (LOA 6.5m grey RHIB), ‘BLUETOOTH’ (LOA 8m blue RHIB) and ‘RESCUE RHIB’ (LOA 4.5m light grey RHIB). A listening watch will be maintained on VHF Ch11 and Ch12 throughout.
i) Saturday 17 September, at 0730 twelve swimmers will depart Gilkicker and complete the crossing at Ryde Sands by 1030.
ii) Sunday 18 September, at 0830 twelve swimmers will depart Gilkicker and complete the crossing at Ryde Sands by 1130.
3. In case of poor weather, leading to the Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September crossings to having to be cancelled the following crossings will take place:
i) Monday 19 September, at 1030 six swimmers will depart Gilkicker and complete the crossing at Ryde Sands by 1330.
ii) Tuesday 20 September, at 1200 six swimmers will depart Gilkicker and complete the crossing at Ryde Sands by 1330.
4. All support craft will display the International Code Flag ‘ALPHA’ while escorting the swimmers.
5. Mariners are requested to keep a good lookout and pass well clear of the swimmers and the support craft during their crossing of the Solent.
6. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 21 September 2022.
Tuesday 13 Sep 2022
N J RANDALL
King's Harbour Master
Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.
