The Malin Shipping Forecast area is named after Malin Head, an epic headland at the northern tip of Ireland overlooking the approaches to the North Channel, a treacherous passage of water connecting the North Atlantic Ocean with the Irish Sea. Within the wild swimming community this 12 nautical mile strip is part of the ‘Triple Crown’ where a solo swimmer ticks off the English Channel, the North Channel and the Bristol Channel.
Although only half the distance of the English Channel, the North Channel has a fearsome reputation and is considered the greater challenge. According to open water silver Olympic medallist Keri-anne Payne, co-founder of wild swimming app Straight Line Swimming, there are three main reasons for the North Channel’s high attrition rate: “The cold, the jellyfish, and the bonkers currents”.
As a sailor, I am well aware
