Saturday, October 11, 2008

Catalina Channel - OC Style

James Fitzpatrick, a very supportive and experienced Catalina Channel Swimming Federation official observer, completed his second crossing of the Catalina Channel on October 1st.

His first crossing was in 2001 when he crossed from Catalina Channel to the closest point on the California mainland in 9:47:44. However, his second crossing was unique. Instead of swimming the shortest point between Catalina and the mainland, he swam 30 miles from Catalina to Newport Beach in 14:59:23.

According to John York, the most experienced swimmer/observer of the Catalina Channel, the early hours of James' swim were extremely difficult. But James stuck it out through the night and enjoyed an unusually warm swim into Newport Beach - the first time anyone has taken this route.

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