Not grumpy, really very pleased

As I mentioned earlier, I volunteered to be an observer for the Channel Swimming Association Ltd at the beginning of the year. It sounded like a good way to pass the time, make a few quid and possibly take a few photographs.
For those who don't know, the Sport of Channel Swimming traces its origins to the latter part of the 19th Century when Captain Matthew Webb made the first observed and un-assisted swim across the Strait of Dover - swimming from England to France in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
Over 80 years ago, in 1927, (at a time when less than a dozen swimmers had managed to emulate Captain Matthew Webb’s feat), the Channel Swimming Association (the CSA) was founded to authenticate swimmers’ claims to have swum the English Channel, and to verify crossing times.
It assists and advises swimmers who intend to make a Channel Attempt. It regulates the conduct of such attempts - and aims to further the Sport of Channel Swimming. Over the years it has developed into the internationally recognised controlling authority of Cross Channel Swimming in all its forms throughout the Strait of Dover and is the Governing Body of the Sport.
Accreditation is accorded only to those Swimmers registered with the Association, who agree to be bound by the rules of the Association whose attempt has been observed by Association Officials and who are escorted by Pilots registered with the Association, using Vessels registered with the Association.

CSA OBJECTIVES

1. To establish, supervise, interpret and amend the rules of Cross Channel Swimming in the Strait of Dover.

2. To promote the sport of swimming across the English Channel and to encourage International friendship among the members of the Association.

3. To investigate and authenticate (subject to payment of any fees) claims of persons to have swum the English Channel under the auspices and jurisdiction of the CSA and CM Ltd.

4. To assist with information and advise those intending to make Cross Channel Swims in the Strait of Dover.

For more information go to: www.channelswlmmingassociation.com

Anyway, I observed 8 swims this year and wrote reports about all of them. The Observer's report enables the CSA committee to decide whether the swim should be ratified and entered into the record book, it can also be obtained by the swimmer.
I try to make my reports accurate, but interesting. Nobody wants to read that the same thing happened every hour for 12, or more hours; that would be so boring.
The point is I obviously succeeded in my objective, because the CSA Awarded me their Observer of the Year Shield, for the Best Observer. I'm so proud and happy this blog is going to have to be renamed.

To see my photos go to Photobox