SHE may have reached the age where she could apply for a free bus pass, but legendary Island swimmer Sally Minty-Gravett has shown she knows how to get from A to B, or even E to F, via her own steam.
Her latest adventure was subject to a two-year delay as a result of personal grief and Covid-19, but Mrs Minty-Gravett has finally been able to complete her eighth crossing of the English Channel, including completing the challenge in six consecutive decades.
Having first made the 21-mile crossing from England to France as an 18-year-old in 1975, and repeating the feat in her 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, Mrs Minty-Gravett successfully finished what she says will be her final solo challenge on Sunday, a few weeks after her 65th birthday.
News of the feat, which was marked with a glass of champagne at Cap Gris Nez in France at sunset on Sunday, sparked a flood of congratulations via social media, while Jersey-based friends are expected to welcome the swimmer known as ‘Dolfin Sal’ when her easyJet flight lands back home at 6.20pm tomorrow.
Having originally intended to make her final Channel crossing two years ago, Mrs Minty-Gravett had to postpone her attempt following the death of her ‘hubby and best friend’ Charlie in July 2020, with revised plans for 2021 then scuppered by logistical problems, including ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
Sunday’s crossing was described as ‘third time lucky’ by Mrs Minty-Gravett, who added: ‘It was a textbook crossing – I got under way from Shakespeare Beach near Dover just as it got light [at 5.13am] and was met by some French friends with champagne at Cap Gris Nez before it got dark.
‘The weather was perfect and my crew did a brilliant job to support me.’
Friends Cliff Golding and Emma Kelly both spent time swimming alongside Mrs Minty-Gravett, who was tracked by the support boat Anastasia, skippered by Eddie Spelling.
The challenge was supported by main sponsor VG, with other backers including Hydropool CI, Columbia Estates and Freedom Physio Wellness.
Having set an initial target of £10,000 to be raised for two nominated charities, Mrs Minty-Gravett twice increased her target by £5,000 and by yesterday [mon] had raised more than £21,500.
The proceeds will be split between Jersey Alzheimer’s Association and Jersey Lifeboat Association.
Asked whether she would be back in the water, Mrs Minty-Gravett said she planned to stick to more leisurely swimming in the future.
‘I’ll be going in for enjoyment, maybe a bit of paddle-boarding and perhaps taking part in some relay swims, as they are good fun, but I’m going to get back to normal first as life’s been on hold while I prepared for this one,’ she said.
