NEW Swim Escort Vessel

*** THE NEW VESSEL has arrived ***

 

Since 2022, Chloë McCardel has been running a dedicated open water swim escort charter vessel business in the UK (June - September). Through escort swims and camps several dozen swimmers have explored the incredible South Coast from Portland all the way to Ramsgate, including the World Heritage Site, The Jurassic Coast!

During the 2022 and 2023 swim seasons Chloë used her vessel "Channel Queen". Chloë also hired the vessel "Royal Charlotte" in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

For the 2024 season Chloë is very proud to announce the new escort vessel which will be escorting swimmers from 2025 onwards! The vessel will have a brand new name which will be announced on September 13th. 

Chloë uses Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA) Professional Yachtmaster Skippers. And in 2024 she announced a new Head Skipper Ed Broadbent! You can view his biography HERE.

Since 2022, Chloë has had the amazing support of crew as "mates" assisting on the boat, kayakers, RIB drivers and "beach crew". 

Chloë is incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported her through a very challenging 12 months.

Gallery
 

 

Quick Stats:

 

  • Fairline Sedan 36, motor vessel
  • 12m length
  • 12 person capacity (10 passengers and 2 crew maximum)
  • Full kitchen (oven, cooktop, fridge, freezer, toaster, cutlery etc).
  • Undercover deck
  • Fly bridge on top level with 360° views
  • Spacious indoor space and beds
  • Indoor Toilet
  • Plenty of fresh drinking water onboard
  • Radio/CD - Fusion Audio
  • Beautifully finished ceramic external coating (GRP)

 

Engine / Propulsion

  • Two Volvo Penta TAMD 61A six cylinder turbo diesel engines producing 306hp each
  • approximate cruising speed of 16 knots and an approximate maximum speed of 24 knots
  • Shaft drive to twin bronze 4 bladed propellers with rope cutters
  • Trim tabs
  • Bow and stern power thrusters

 

Navigation Equipment

  • 1 x VHF radio - ICOM IC-M423G with Command Mic
  • Tridata with Log/Speed and Depth
  • 2 x Compasses, 1 new PLastimo at lower helm in 2021
  • Autopilot - Raymarine ST6001Plus
  • GPS
  • 2 x Chartplotters (Raymarine AXIOM 9 + New 2021)
  • Radar - Raymarine Quantum 2 Doppler (New 2021)
  • Large TV display with repeater for Axiom Plotter
  • AIS Class B transponder and receiver MA-5610TR
  • Flybridge repeaters, speed, rpm, trim tabs, anchor control
  • Clock/Barometer
  • Navigation lights 

Safety Equipment

  • 14 life jackets (professionally checked July 2024)
  • 5 x Fire extinguishers (professionally checked January 2024)
  • Fire blanket (professionally checked January 2024)
  • Gas alarm (professionally checked July 2024)
  • 2 x Lifebuoy with lights
  • Radar Reflector (so other vessels with radar can see the vessel during day / night and through fog)
  • Bilge pumps (manual - new 2024 & 3x electric - two new 2024)



The new vessel meets the highest Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA) safety standards and is in the process of being classified as a Category 2 commercial vessel coded to 60 miles offshore. This is the same coding standard as the other English Channel escort boats in the Dover Straits area (CSA & CS&PF boats).

This vessel also has other smaller crewed safety vessels which assist swims as needed including RIBs, a tender boat and kayaks. All crew are being put through a safety training before they start crewing.

"Channel Queen" vessel (used for 2022 and 2023 swim seasons)