Part 2/9:
The journey began with meticulous preparations under challenging conditions. The swimmers, led by a diverse team including the eldest at 60 years old, faced their doubts and fears head-on. One swimmer openly shared feelings of self-doubt and anxiety about the cold, unfamiliar waters, and the physical and mental toll of such an extreme swim.
The team arrived in the UK where they acclimatized themselves to the climate, which was unexpectedly mild at 18°C, but they remained cautious, aware that weather conditions could change unpredictably. The captain of the support boat emphasized the importance of readiness, as the swim window was strictly dictated, often requiring quick responses to calls for action.