Meet the team
The swimmer - not an athlete just a girl with a goal
Rachael aka me. 27 years young and not one for taking life seriously. I probably should have hesitated before deciding on this challenge but I didn't.
I'm animal obsessed and spent 3 years at the university of Southampton studying Marine Biology. You'd think by now that I wouldn't be afraid of what's below me in the water - but alas my mind still plays tricks.
I have my level 3 dingy sailing certifcate which I received at the age of 9 but haven't touched a boat since. I can sail a bathtub though (Optimist dingy).
The only thing I have on my side is pure determination and utter belief in myself.
As long as there is bacon onboard and someone to laugh with I will take the pain in my stride. See you in cornwall.
The Captain
A complete stranger one minute and my boat captain the next. Colin heard my story and decided to dive right in.
He has extensive sailing experience, having competed in police world championships, multiple around the Isle of Wight races and 5 successful Atlantic crossings - one of which was solo. Colin feels prepared for anything.
He has a great sense of humour and a very easy going attitude which immediately appealed to me as I want a crew that will have fun with me and adapt to whatever might get thrown at us. Colin is never phased by anything I've asked him and I know that as long as he is calm I have nothing to worry about. If he starts to panic that's when I know it's hit the fan.
I look forward to hearing many more of his stories over the months we will spend together but I will use some of that time to teach him how to type properly on his phone... if you know, you know...
The Sensible one
Mick, one of the first people to whole heartedly believe in me after meeting me in our local pool at the start of the year.
Truthfully, without Mick I don't think this swim would be going ahead as he introduced me to Colin. Mick has given up countless hours of his time to research and guide me through the adventure that lies ahead.
Without him I think Colin and I would lose the plot; he's our voice of reason and the only one who realised I might become collateral damage to some cannon practice if we aren't careful.
Mick took up sailing later in life after years of swimming and water polo. His goal was always to sail larger yachts, so worked his way up from dinghies to 'Flying Fifteens' until he had the skills needed for larger yachts. This has led to him sailing in all parts of the world.
Mick loves all things water, whether he's on, in or under the water diving, so he is the perfect addition to my team and I am very lucky to have him for sections of the journey.
The Visionary
I am incredibly fortunate to know such a talented man from my previous job. Stu is far too qualified for this but luckily for me he seems to enjoy my company and also likes an adventure.
I'll start by saying this man does not age - he looks so good for his age that it's a surprise to me that his photography experience dates back to 1980s when he first started to properly learn the trade.
Since then he's gone on to work on major films like 'Cruella (2021)' and lensed major campaigns for clients like Mercedes, New Balance, Lexus, Huawei, and Audi!
Did I mention how lucky I am to know Stu?
I have him and his gorgeous partner Carlotta to thank for the amazing footage I have so far, and I look forward to seeing his magic in action once more when I'm in the thick of it.
The Cheerleader
I met Matthew the same day I met Mick, I was swimming up and down the lanes, none the wiser that a few individuals were standing at the end of my lane observing my swimming. It was Matthew who asked if I was training for something...
My answer didn't shock him, in fact he started to spitball ideas and ways in which him and Mick could use their network to help.
To date, Matthew has linked me to a nutritionist, the CEO of Phyllis Court where we swim and organised the boat that enabled Stu and Carlotta to film me on the river Thames.
He has been incredibly generous with his words of support and his time, even volunteering as part of the boat crew when we need him, as he has plenty of sailing and boat experience himself.
Again, I count myself lucky to be surrounded by so many kind and supportive individuals.
*I have more important people to add and I am always keen to have more join me on this adventure so please reach out to me if you want to become part of my very special team.
