I must mention here for the sake of information that it is not possible to start swimming in the channel any time. There is a period we swimmers call “neap tide” – lasting for four to five days – between full moon and new moon. This period comes once a fortnight. Only during this period the current of the Channel behaves rationally. Then comes the study of weather. It is necessary for a swimmer who is crossing the channel to study the weather forecast. If some one wants to start from France it will be wise for him to jump into the water 3 ½ - 4 hours before the high water starts from England he should start after one hour of the high tide.