417 swimmers take on Castle to Castle swim in Falmouth

This year’s iconic open water swim has seen a new record time and nearly £40,000 raised to support the charity that saves lives around our Cornish coasts.

On Sunday, May 28 417 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, completing the event was their target, and the last swimmer did so in one and 15 minutes.

Swimmers participating in the Castle to Castle race (Image: Stacie Nicoll, Antreth Photography)

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.

READ NEXT: Cornish pupils raise money for Penhaligon’s Friends

“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 event’s key supporters were Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, English Heritage, Andennis Beach, Fal River Cornwall, Bear Cornwall, Zoogs, Euro Tool Hire and ARW Scaffold Contracting Ltd.