Page revised 17 November 2025
Reminder to all who are swimming the English Channel with High Hopes next year (2026). Deposits need to be with us no later than the 30 November 2025, after this date if we have had no communication we will offer the swim slot to other swimmers here on this page
We are fully booked for 2026. Any available dates will be posted here.
We wish to inform all swimmers with reservations on High Hopes for 2026 that deposit payments are due by 30 November 2025.
| Tide Window | Spring / Neap Tide | Slot No. |
|---|---|---|
Booking conformation
On booking a slot for 2026 you will receive an email with the tide window and slot number
We strongly recommend that international swimmers be in the UK five days before and after the swim window, this gives the best chances of swimming if the weather is against us
Please be advised that charity relay swims are subject to a maximum of three swim slots per charity organization.
When and What happens now
| Costings | £3,500 |
| Contract sent out | 2 Day’s after booking |
| Booking fee | No later than 2 weeks after contract sent |
| Contract return | No later than 2 weeks after contract sent |
| Deposit | No later than 30 November 2025 |
| Remaining balance | Up to and including day of swim (cleared funds in account or GBP cash on day of swim) |
The cost for solo / relay, 2-way swims are double all above pay structure
If requesting a booking of a 2-way swim, evidence must be provided of a 1-way successful channel swim first
Personal insurance to cover you for this extreme sporting event is required
It is important that you READ & UNDERSTAND your channel swim pilot contract which will be sent once you have chosen a swim date & slot and clarify what you are agreeing to before you (and any team members) sign as this is a legally binding document.
We will notify the CS&PF or the KCSC office the first week of January 2026, depending on type of swim you wish to undertake and that your swim reservation is confirmed (booking fee, contract returned & deposit paid) they will then contact you by email with your 2026 application form.
Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation
Before you start to complete the paperwork, please READ THE CS&PF RULES and information on the CS&PF web site: www.cspf.co.uk .
You can only get the 2026 CS&PF application and medical forms from the CS&PF office and you can only use the forms sent to you which are specific to the year of your swim. This is so that the CS&PF office can regulate and track the swim reservations. Check the CS&PF web site for the latest arrangements for registration.
Kent Coastal Swimming Challenges
If you wish an attempt to swim the English Channel while wearing a wetsuit, please let us know so the swim can be registered through KCSC (www.kentcoastalswimmingchallenges.com) to gain permission by the British & French authorities.
You can only get the 2026 KCSC application and medical forms from the KCSC office and you can only use the forms sent to you which are specific to the year of your swim. This is so that the KCSC office can regulate and track the swim reservations.