11 Out to Swim members are currently in training for their cross-Channel swim this September. They will go as two teams, taking two hour turns in the water until someone finally reaches France.  The rules state that the swimmer reaching France has to return to the boat with a pebble from the beach.

Not only have the 11 swimmers been sacrificing a lot of time and effort in training, they've also decided to raise money for a worthy charity, the Food Chain, which supports those who are HIV positive or have AIDS by providing meals. You can support them by making a donation to the JustGiving website.

We caught up with Alastair Bell from Out to Swim to find out more.

Tell us about the relay swim. What’s happening?
11 members of the Out to Swim team are swimming across the channel from Dover to Calais. We’ve got two teams heading out and it is as obvious as it sounds - one swimmer from each team stands on the beach and swims for an hour, then the next person takes over, and we keep swimming in rotation until we hit France. 

It sounds like quite a challenge. What made you want to take part?!
It sounded like a good idea at the time! Our coach suggested it to us back in 2008 and, as stupid as it sounds, I couldn’t think of a good reason not to do it - I can now! 

I think what really appealed was the idea that it was a challenge, not a race, because, despite enjoying taking part in the odd swim competition, I’m not really fast enough to win any sprint medals, so trying something which was achievable through endurance was exciting. 

What particular challenges does the English Channel hold?
Apart from being bloody cold, we’re battling the tides, the wind, the odd cross channel ferry, tankers and homicidal seagulls. We also keep hearing horror stories of jellyfish and poo. We’ve now agreed to have someone on the boat with a whistle on poo watch at all times.

How long do you think it’ll take to swim?
It kind of depends on the weather and the tide, but the average is about 14 hours. 

"I think what really appealed was the idea that it was a challenge, not a race...trying something which was achievable through endurance was exciting."

What have you been doing to train for the event?
Apart from regular training with the team in the evenings, it all started for me back in January, when I swam longer distances without breaks, but then in February I started my cold water training. I went to Parliament Hill Lido, the amazing unheated outside pool in Hampstead and bravely/stupidly jumped into the nine degree water. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as cold in my life. I couldn’t get my head under. I suspect I hyperventilated and managed about six widths of the pool, and spent the next two hours shaking. 

Since then, the team started swimming there on Saturday mornings, gradually increasing the amount of time we could bear the cold. From early May, we started training with the other Channel swimmers in Dover Harbour, getting used to the cold, salt water, again gradually building up time in the water, and gradually spending less time shivering. Some of us also set ourselves little goals, like longer competitive swims, open water races in Brighton and Pier to Pier swims in Bournemouth. We’ve all now completed our two hour non stop trial swim in the harbour, so we’re ready to go. 

I know the swim is for charity, so who are you raising money for and why did you pick them?
We’re supporting the Food Chain, which provides home delivered meals, groceries and other nutrition services to men, women and children chronically sick with HIV related illness. They aim to ensure that no one living with the virus has their ability to get well and stay well adversely affected by lack of access to appropriate food.

So what happens when you reach the other side – how will you be celebrating?!
There’s a bottle of champagne lurking in my fridge that’s been waiting for a good excuse to be opened. I think this might be it. Although if we’re all sea sick, we may see it again very quickly. But if we achieve this, I suspect I won’t care.

"Apart from being bloody cold, we’re battling the tides, the wind, the odd cross channel ferry, tankers and homicidal seagulls. We also keep hearing horror stories of jellyfish and poo."

So I take it you’ll be catching the ferry back rather than swimming!
Our lovely pilot boat will be taking us straight back to Dover. There may be a bit of partying on the way back.

How long have you been a member of Out to Swim?
Over five years now.

What was it about them that made you want to join?
I joined when I moved back to London. I went along to make some new mates and to increase my fitness. I’ve been very lucky that I’ve done both and I really miss it when I’m out of town.

Have you taken part in other gay swim events or tournaments?
Absolutely, the team goes to a number of different swim meets throughout the year locally and internationally. Last year I went to the Eurogames in Barcelona which was incredible, and I usually go to our equivalent team’s competition in Paris every May. Looks like we’re off to the Gay Games in Cologne next year, too. Of course, we hold the GLLAM competition every year ourselves. 
 
Where do you fall in the great swimwear debate? Speedos or shorts?
Speedos in the pool, shorts on the beach.

You’ll be in cold the water for a long time – are you worried about things shrivelling up? I had to ask!
Not any more! Early on, the blokes had slightly higher voices after a few minutes in the water.
 
Who's your sporting hero?
I kind of have to say Phelps, don’t I? His swims were incredible in the Beijing Olympics. But I’m keeping an eye on Fran Halsall – anyone that finishes a swim race with a 'Vogue' dance move has to be worth watching.

"We’d really appreciate if you could help us and the Food Chain. Knowing that people are supporting us is really pushing us through the harder swims."

Finish the sentence. A good swim starts with....?
A good swim starts with the early morning sun beating down on an empty icy, crystal clear London lido.

And it ends with...?
A strong, hot coffee and a catch up with team mates.

Where was the last gay bar/club you went to?
The Box on a Thursday and I love a bit of Duckie on a Saturday night. 
 
And finally, if people wanted to sponsor you – how would they go about it?
We’d really appreciate if you could help us and the Food Chain. Knowing that people are supporting us is really pushing us through the harder swims. £3.50 will provide dinner for someone who really needs a bit of help. Go to www.justgiving.com/otsswimstofrance or head to www.outtoswim.org.  

Read Our Post-Swim Interview With Alastair Bell »
Click to find out is Alastair made it to France.

Out to Swim Cross-Channel Relay Swim
11 September 2009
www.outtoswim.org