Fastest swim crossing of the North Channel

Setting out at 6.40 a.m. local time on 2 August 2021, Jordan Leckey (UK) swam from Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland, to Dunskey Castle close to Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, in 9 hours 9 minutes 30 seconds. He was piloted by Ian Conroy on board ĀNANTYA and the record was ratified by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA).

As per ILDSA rules, the route must follow the Admiralty Chart 2198, Southern Part, which measures 18.6 nautical miles (21.5 miles; 35 kilometres).

This bettered the time of 9 hours 34 minutes 39 seconds, which had stood for over eight years, set by Michelle Macy (USA) on 15 July 2013. However, Macy continues to hold the female record for fastest North Channel swim crossing.

A former competitive swimmer and now lifesaver at a leisure centre, Leckey celebrated after his swim with a jam sandwich and a pint of Guinness. During COVID-19 lockdown, when all the swimming pools were shut, he had to build his own bespoke pool in his garage in order to train for the challenge.