Swim Listings
Master Database
Julian Critchlow has constructed a Master Database utilizing Excel and those files incorporate the
swims ratified by both the CSA and CS&PF along with details of the Daily Mail and Butlin races
of the 1950s. This FREE listing is pretty comprehensive and contains lots of extra details on the
pilot etc.
CSA Listing
The complete official listings of CSA-registered swims may be purchased from the Secretary of
the Channel Swimming Association at the address shown above. The official listings also include
all details of relay teams who have crossed the Channel, as well as their various CSA records and
awards. This listing does not include swims conducted under the auspices of the Channel
Swimming & Piloting Federation, CS&PF.
SSO Listing
For reference purposes, SSO has compiled an unofficial listing of solo, successful English
Channel swims - One-Way England-France and France-England, and Solo Multiple crossings
(Two-way and three-way, etc.). This listing is taken from material published by the Channel
Swimming Association; however, they are not kept up-to-date and there may have been errors in
the transcription of the data. |
Swim Registration Options
Read Carefully
The Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF) and the Channel Swimming Association
(CSA) are currently the only bodies providing safe coverage and official monitoring of traditional
(Regulation swim suit with no aids) across the English Channel.
Registration fees and pilot fees may vary between the CSA and CS&PF and the individual pilots -
so do your research first - caveat emptor.
Traditional Swims
The CSA and CS&PF were established in 1927 and 1999 respectively. Both groups operate as
distinctly separate organizations, while seeking to provide safe guidance of swimmers across the
Channel and to provide independent observation of the swims in terms of established rules for
these swims. The primary difference between the two groups is that the CSA only records swims
that have been monitored by one of their official Observers. On the other hand, the CS&PF
attempts to maintain a compilation of all of the successful swims that have been officially
observed by either the CSA or the CS&PF. So, if you swim with CS&PF do not expect your
name to appear in the listings of the CSA.
The absence of an official CSA Observer in the boats of certain swimmers who competed in the
Channel races of the 1950s is the reason for their crossings not appearing in the CSA listings. As
illustrated in the period prior to the establishment of the CSA in 1927, false claims for Channel
crossings are a fact-of-life when people can benefit socially and financially from such claims.
Swimmers should realize that registration with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) of the
United Kingdom, or with the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) is unnecessary for
Solo Swims, and does not, therefore, reflect any kind of status in the recognition of cross-Channel
swims.
Non-Standard Crossings
Non-standard crossings (Swims using aids, rowing events, etc.) may be supported by pilots of the
CS&PF and CSA; however, neither group maintains listings of those crossings. For further
advice on support those activities, contact the individual pilots. |
