CROSS SOLENT SWIMS 14 & 15 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King's Harbour Master Portsmouth that Cross Solent Swims will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September between Stokes Bay and Ryde Sands.

2. Sixteen swimmers will be participating in the crossing, which will be in two pods. Each swimmer will be accompanied by a kayaker acting as an individual support craft. 

3. The lead support vessel is ‘SWIM CONTROL / BLUETOOTH’ an 8m RHIB (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) with dark blue tubes. There will be five other support vessels: ‘REBEL ANCHORMAN’ MMSI 235016877 (10m blue multi role catamaran), and ‘REBEL PROTECTOR’ MMSI 232029921, (8.5m dark blue RHIB). ‘HAPPY DAYS’ (8m dark blue RHIB), ‘SHY SHARK’ (4.2m light grey RHIB), and ‘NORMAN B’ (4.8m red/black RHIB). A listening watch will be maintained on VHF Ch11 and Ch12 throughout.

4. On Saturday 14 September the swim route is from Stokes Bay to Ryde Sands, starting at 1300 and completing by approximately 1500.

5. On Sunday 15 September the swim route is from Stokes Bay to Ryde Sands, starting at 1330 and completing by approximately 1530.

5. All support craft will display the International Code Flag ‘ALPHA’ while escorting the swimmers. 

6. 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. 

7. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 16 September 2024.