Over 400 people take to the water for the 2023 RNLI Castle to Castle Swim
This year’s iconic open water swim in Falmouth has seen a new record time and nearly £40,000 raised to support the charity that saves lives around our Cornish coasts.
On Sunday 28 May, 417 swimmers took to the start line at Crab Quay on Pendennis Point ready to take on the one mile open water swim, which finished at St Mawes Castle on the Roseland Peninsula. The faster swimmer, Felix Hinton-Smith, completed the swim in a record time of 21 mins 43 seconds, with over 60 other swimmers completing the mile long course within 30 mins. For many participants, it was the challenge of completing the event that was their target and the last swimmer did so in one and 15 minutes.
So far, the event has raised nearly £39,000 with money still coming in and the hope of reaching the £40,000 target. Dave Nicoll, RNLI Fundraising & Partnership Lead, said;
‘This year’s swim has broken many records, including the amazing amount raised for the RNLI by the swimmers. But this event would not be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers both afloat and ashore who ensure the event is enjoyable but most importantly safe. We would also like to thank the various organisation and businesses who support the event, and make it such a special day for those taking part.’
Safety afloat was provided by the RNLI Lifeguards, Falmouth RNLI volunteers, local Surf Lifesaving clubs from Gyllyngvase and Hayle, Harbour and Pilot Boats, Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, and many local boat owners.
The events key supporters were Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, English Heritage, Andennis Beach, Fal River Cornwall, Bear Cornwall, Zoogs, Euro Tool Hire and ARW Scaffold Contracting Ltd .
Notes to editors
· Photos of the 2023 Castle to Castle swim event. (Credit: Stacie Nicoll, Antreth Photography)
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