The record for the fastest solo crossing of the North Channel was set in 2025 with German Andreas Waschburger‘s extraordinary achievement in September 2025: 8 hours, 11 minutes and 12 seconds.

The first, and currently fastest, 2-way crossing was achieved by Sarah Thomas of the USA in July 2022, in a time of 21:46:38. Ireland’s Brian Foster set multiple records with his 2-way crossing in September 2024 (24:50:13).

The table below lists all successful North Channel solo swims dating from Tom Blower’s pioneering triumph in July 1947.