Port to Pub swimmer has eyes set on the English Channel

A Rockingham swimmer is set to compete in her first ultra-marathon swim to help her prepare for the English Channel crossing in August.

Fiona Cullinane will take part in the 25km 2022 Channel 7 Port to Pub ultra-marathon swim, adding to her list of long-distance open water crossings with two 19.7km solo swims and three team crossings to Rottnest.

“Achieving the solo crossing in the ultra-marathon category has been one of my goals since Port to Pub began,” Ms Cullinane said.

The Port to Pub 25km ultra-marathon is open only to solo competitors who qualify through a pre-timed swim leading up to the event on March 19.

It begins with a 6km return loop from Leighton to Cottesloe before starting the 19.7km swim to Rottnest and is one of the longest open water swims on offer in Australia.

“I am using the swim to help prepare for my first English Channel crossing attempt in August next year,” Ms Cullinane said.

The English Channel crossing is a 33km swim between England and France in water temperatures as low as 6C.

Port to Pub president and co-founder Ceinwen Roberts said the Port to Pub was a challenging swim for novice swimmers, especially for competitive solo participants competing in the 25km ultra-marathon.

“The English Channel crossing is a big milestone in an open water swimmer’s career,” Ms Roberts said.

“The training and preparation are intense. I’ve previously completed the English Channel crossing myself and recommend the 25km ultra-marathon as an ideal distance preparation swim in the lead up to a channel crossing.”

Port to Pub caters for a range of swimming abilities with five categories, including the 25km solo, a 19.7km solo, duo, and teams of four or six.

Corporate groups of two, four and six swimmers can also register to compete in the annual K&L Gates corporate cup, held within the event.

In 2022, the event is supporting Telethon as its charity partner with funds aiming to help ensure a better life for WA children through health research, facilities, and equipment.

Swimmers can register now at www.porttopub.com.au