Click to track my swim in real-time! My boat's called The Viking Princess.
"Just keep swimming until you run out of water"
Swimming The Channel Solo 2008
Will Sergi.......English Channel Aspirant 2008
~~~~~~~~~8th October 2008 What an amazing day~~~~~~~~
To watch the video click in this link below
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Vys0pwlKI
On Wednesday the 8th October I started my swim on board the Viking 
Princess. I had Reg and Ray (Pilots) Mike (observer) and John , Gary and Gav as my crew and what a fantastic bunch they were. 
We set out at 545pm on wednesday during a fantastic sunset, which was hard not to stop and look at it. We made a straight line across the channel, through the first international shipping lane, winding our way past tankers in the dark as we went, and reached the half way point around 3am. The water temp had dropped from 17 degrees to 13.5 degrees in the last 2 weeks and the air temp was a constant 1 degree through the night. I had not really noticed until the 9 hour mark when it started to get to me a little, I could see my breath in the air and the crew all wrapped 
up in on the boat. Feeds were perfect and constant throughout and Gary Brickley my support swimmer was an absolute star. I remember seeing our 57 tonne boat bob around like a toy in the wake from the tankers. At 10 hours (4am) I could taste blood but was not sure where it was coming from and had an arugement with a jellyfish that decided to have a go at me!!! Encouraged by my crew and with France clearly in sight I pushed on into the night and wanted so much to make the sunrise which never 
seemed to come. At 535am on Thursday , just a few miles from France, I reluctantly swum up to the boat, had a feed and declaired out after not seeing the sun for nearly 11 hours. I was suffering from the cold of the night, all the joints in my body had locked up, I could still taste blood, my throat was swollen from the salt making it hard to breathe and my eyes were starting to close. It was the hardest decision in the world for me to make, but like my 
dad had said, "Give it everything you've got but get out when you need to, don't make yourself ill" I think he may well have saved me on this one. I knew that if I didn't get out now there was no chance of me making the 7ft Metal ladder up the side of the boat after this point. Gary jumped straight in and helped me up while Reg and Ray lifted me on board. John and Gav then smothered me in towels and fed me chocolate to keep me going.
Althought I didn't make France I was true to my word, I promised myself that if I wasn't going to make it I was going to give it everything until there was nothing left of me and I did. I swum for longer that day than I ever had in my life and can at last rest easy. I would like to say a massive thanks Mac Hobbs who paid for my first crossing and to my Mum and Dad who had so much faith in me that they paid for my second attempt. To my brother John, Gav, Angus, Gary, Keith and Hammy for being the best crew that anyone could want. Also a massive thanks to Mark from Liberty training who has provided me with a years worth of coaching, and Alex from Hobbs Recovery for organising so much along the way.
I would also like to say thank you to my wife and daughter who have put up with me missing for most of the year and for choosing Dover harbour over them at weekends, and to Grandpa, and Nonno who were with me every step of the way.
A final thank you goes to Freeda and all the people who have helped, sponsered me and supported me over the year. As below I spent time thinking about the journey that I had been on over the last 12 months. The amazing and insperational people that I had met, the kindness that people I didnt even know had shown me, and the fantastic experiences that I have been apart of. All of these things will make the whole year worth while. I have been touched by the support I have recieved along the way, and was suprised how much people wanted to help rather than dismiss the idea as total madness. These things alone are all priceless and why 2008 has been a special year for me.
Also special thanks to my smallest fan Harrison, who I believe is doing "Show and Tell" at school today about my swim. I hope all goes well and I will send you some pictures soon.
Will Sergi signing out 15:53 11/10/2008
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In September 2008, Will Sergi of Sussex police will be swimming the English Channel in aid of three local Charities.
In the past I have done some pretty silly things in the name of charity like running, sky diving and cycling, and however hard things got in training I would always say to myself, "Come on, it's not as though you're swimming the channel is it". However on this occasion I can't use this one!! Anyway, back to the beginning.
Tea can be dangerous!
In March 2007, I was having a cup of tea with a good friend of mine Angus Wingfield. We are both fairly charity orientated and the suggestion came up in conversation that we should try swimming the English Channel as our next challenge. Fortunately I managed to put the idea to bed fairly early and no more was said.
However several days later I was on the rowing machine in the local gym when the thought entered my mind again, and as all rowers will know, rowing gives you far too much time to think about things. The idea grew and grew the further I rowed, and I ended up jumping off the machine, dashing to my locker to get my phone and rang Angus straight away. As soon as he answered my words to him were, "we've got to do it, we've got to swim the channel", and there it was. Next was to sort out how, when, where and how are we going to pay for it!!
Finding Sponsors
One of those questions was answered when I approached local business man Mac Hobbs of Hobbs Recovery and Vehicle rentals, who was keen to find out more about the swim and eventually became the main Sponsor, which meant that the dream was now a real one as funding was no longer an obstacle. In June 2008, after months of hard training I completed my 6 hour sea swim which qualified me to them swim the channel. The "Channel Swimming Association" will not let you attempt a crossing without evidence that you have done this.
"If your going through hell, Keep going" - Sir William Churchill
Bring on the Channel Swim Challenge
I am all to aware that less than 10% of people who take on the channel actually reach their goal, but in the true words of ex king of the channel Des Renford "NOTHING GREAT IS EASY".
Other planned swims for this year include Lake Windermere, which I will be swimming on 2nd August. It is a 10.5 mile cold water swim. Pictures and updated will be added to the blog
Me with Alison Streeter
"Queen of the Channel"
Who has swam it 43 times
The Journeys end
Today (25/08/2008) I swam for what may well be my last ever time in Dover with my dad. I arrived at 0830 as normal and was greeted by Freeda Streeter. She set me a six hour swim for the day which I soon got on with. Normally during these swims I would grumble to myself and constantly clock watch and wish the end to come along as quickly as possible. However this time was different. I spent the time thinking about the journey that I had been on over the last 12 months. The amazing and insperational people that I had met, the kindness that people I didnt even know had shown me, and the fantastic experiences that I have been apart of. All of these things will make the whole year worth while whatever the outcome on that fateful day in September. I have been touched by the support I have recieved along the way, and was suprised how much people wanted to help rather than dismiss the idea as total madness. These things alone are all priceless and why 2008 has been a special year for me.
“Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever.” – Lance Armstrong
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Ever feel like you just can't give anymore of yourself? Read below and then click on the video and afterwards, ask yourself if just maybe you have a little more to give....
A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together.
Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together.
One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' to.
For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and endin g with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island . Father and son went on to complete the race together.
View this
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
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Will
Good to have the 'crew meeting ' last night and put names to faces.
Now we all know what we are doing on the support boat.
Its getting ever closer, good luck for Saturday, although the 1.20am start is a bit scary!
We know you can do it.
Best of luck on your epic challenge
John and Clare
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Hi Will
Jayde's mum here. Finally got round to donating and just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for THE SWIM (dramatic music really ought to step in at this point !). Keeping fingers crossed that the tides, weather, ferries all behave for you. Good luck and hope to see you soon to congratulate you on your amazing achievement.
Take care
Sam x
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Will,
The beavers in Canada want to know when you are set to venture off on your swim. I take it you are a few days away? We will be watching and cheering you on! Keep you mind focussed on success...visualize the sands of France.
Brent
Best of luck Will, such a tight $^%*& for a day out to France. Its quicker by Channel Tunnel m8. If you wanted to go that bad I would have lent you the money.
Anyway Best Of Luck I'll be tracking you.
Father-In-Law
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Will, what an effort congrats on your achievement.
Tide's biggest hazared, at least you are safe.
I pray that if you still want to do it again that there will be someone out there to sponsore you.
Do it in swimming bathes.
Congratulations Will
Bill
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MILSON AKA LOOSER SHARK!!!
crossing. Bon voyage!
Laura Colette wrote - I'll be in your ear if you just listen... 'long, even and don't quit. You will get there, one feed at a time, you can do anything for 5 more minutes....' I have made the 5 minutes deal with myself and always renew...
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Well done Will!! Most people wouldn't have even got in the water!! I'm sure you'll do the rest next year. ---------------------------------
Hi Will,
You did very well to get that far. You got a lot further than I could have - I was cold after 30 minutes and it wasn't even dark.
If you got that far in those temps then I have no doubt that it is well within you in say August when the sea and air are nearer to 20c.
Another year of hard training and who knows 11:55 may see you all the way there :o)
We will be down the beach as usual tomorrow 10am. It would be nice to see you there.
Well done - it was an admiral effort
Dale
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Well done Daddy by the way i will never swim the channel! it might be to cold!! it would take me days!!
Chloe
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Hi Will, its Lau-ra here, (your possible pace swimmer option)hope you don't mind me contacting you. Jane Thomas fowarded your mail to me.
France in sight?...Will, that's absolutely wonderful!!!! You knew you could do it.....felt so awful you got pulled so close to the start of your first attempt.....it was criminal with all that you had put in, though I expect they had their resasons'.
So now you know-its well within your limitations and just a question of doing it at a warmer time of year. Simple as that. I'm sure you'll get your chance.
Wishing you a great feeling of contentment and success.
All warm wishes and happy for you,
Lau-ra.
xxxxxx
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Will,
Well done on your tremendous effort. Watched your last go and felt for you when you were pulled. At least you know that this time it was in your own hands. Only found out a few days ago that you were "on" again. 12 hrs of swimming takes b...s and alot of soal searching especially when you were devestated from the last go. Hope to see you in the sea next year and still need to have a chat with you re paperwork etc as i'm on for sept next year. Take care and well done.
Mark
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Well Done Little Bro'.
Phenomenal effort! Just called Mum to see if you'd gone then thought i'd check the website. You're already back!
Congratulations on getting so far.
Must have been heart breaking to be able to see the finish post but you definately did the right thing. Knowing when to get out and admitting it, is harder than finishing.
Good to know youre back in one piece.
Time to recoupe i guess.
Well done again.
Rob. Sam. Lauren. Nat.
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and feel good about it..
you gave it your all..
that's all anyone can give
mikee
Will, Well done. I still feel this was an exceptional effort on your part and although I am sure you are disappointed you didnt quite make it. You should be extremely proud of your achievement. Once again well done Mac
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gerdenshed
next year?? 2010??
Having made the attempt once and failed, then
to try again takes some guts.
Who knows maybe 3rd time lucky!!!
Thanks monello, but I did miss the vid shots
of the sunset and other seafaring vessels.
5*........Barbara
hi will
just saw your video on you tube make sure you get there again mate. by the way you still interested in doing the strait of messina
keith
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This is heart breaking really - and Will, you did not fail - you had a
great attempt and swim - probably a personal best for yourself as well - put
this down to experience - and a great training swim.....
Just my personal view...
Sal
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I too didn't make my first channel attempt...then went back 60 days later and made it. I am more proud of having the balls to dust myself and go back then the actual swim. So - I admire your courage.
I have two observations about the video
1. You do not reach very far in front of your head with your hands. This limits the amount of power and speed you can generate. You are a big strong guy...and are missing gobs of the power you should have.
2. On your feed stops...you may want to consider learning the egg beater kick. It is the most efficient way to tread water. It is the water polo kick....like a frog kick...but legs going one at a time
I look forward to reading about your continued marathon swims...and hope you achieve your goals.
Regards,
Ned
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Will
Joanne and I just finished watching the video clip of your English Channel experience. Wow! Very inspiring!! I don't know how you swam all that way on such a cold and starry night. WE are proud of your accomplishment!
Brent and Joanne
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Dear Will,
watching your swim on Utube
was so very inspiring!
I felt for you when after 8 hours you had to come out,
still, many (including me!) would never have lasted
so long in such cold water.
You are a true hero!
I am collecting inspirational stories for my website,
may I put your video on? and what is your story?
Best wishes,
well done,
Brigitte Sumner.
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John,
Please pass on our congratulatons to Will for a fantastic swim. We have just heard the news following your e-mail and have made a little
donation.
What a great charachter he is and it was a pleasure and poriveledge to meet
him during his practice swim on Windermere.
Regards
The Pinkney family