Last week on July 26, Sacramento Republic FC Season Ticket Holder Ernie Hoftyzer showed his own indomitable spirit as he completed the more than 20-mile swim across the English Channel, finishing the swim in 11 hours and 49 minutes.
In finishing the swim across the English Channel, Hoftyzer joined the ranks of elite swimmers to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: the English Channel (20.1 miles), Catalina Channel (20 miles) and Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28 miles). Hoftyzer completed the earlier swims in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Through last summer, just 127 swimmers in the world had completed all three acclaimed marathon swims.
At its narrowest point, the Channel is 20.1 miles wide, from Dover, UK to Cap Griz Nez, France. Strong currents, cold water and changing weather frequently lead to an unpredictable swim, forcing swimmers to be prepared for a multitude of swimming conditions. To add to the challenge, swimmers daring to cross the Channel are only allowed a pair of goggles, a swimsuit and swim cap, while wetsuits are forbidden.
Hoftyzer, who started his swim at 2:36 a.m. local time, braved water temperatures of just 63 degrees. Due to strong currents and wind conditions, Hoftyzer did not complete the swim in a direct line from the United Kingdom to France.
Hoftyzer completes his swim across the English Channel.
Hoftyzer and his wife Stephanie, who live in Davis, joined the Republic FC family as Season Ticket Holders during the club’s inaugural season. To warm himself up after the cold swim and to show his community pride, Hoftyzer brought along a Republic FC scarf during the journey. During the swim, his team held up the scarf while Hoftyzer was in the water.
“We love everything that the Republic represents in terms of entertaining product, community engagement and building pride in Sacramento — the area really is a jewel and its time that people recognize that,” said Hoftyzer wanting to show off his love for the Sacramento region while completing the impressive feat.
Republic FC fans can learn more about Hoftyzer’s swim across the English Channel and see his route via the tracking map here.
Last week on July 26, Sacramento Republic FC Season Ticket Holder Ernie Hoftyzer showed his own indomitable spirit as he completed the more than 20-mile swim across the English Channel, finishing the swim in 11 hours and 49 minutes.
In finishing the swim across the English Channel, Hoftyzer joined the ranks of elite swimmers to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: the English Channel (20.1 miles), Catalina Channel (20 miles) and Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28 miles). Hoftyzer completed the earlier swims in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Through last summer, just 127 swimmers in the world had completed all three acclaimed marathon swims.
At its narrowest point, the Channel is 20.1 miles wide, from Dover, UK to Cap Griz Nez, France. Strong currents, cold water and changing weather frequently lead to an unpredictable swim, forcing swimmers to be prepared for a multitude of swimming conditions. To add to the challenge, swimmers daring to cross the Channel are only allowed a pair of goggles, a swimsuit and swim cap, while wetsuits are forbidden.
Hoftyzer, who started his swim at 2:36 a.m. local time, braved water temperatures of just 63 degrees. Due to strong currents and wind conditions, Hoftyzer did not complete the swim in a direct line from the United Kingdom to France.
Hoftyzer completes his swim across the English Channel.
Hoftyzer and his wife Stephanie, who live in Davis, joined the Republic FC family as Season Ticket Holders during the club’s inaugural season. To warm himself up after the cold swim and to show his community pride, Hoftyzer brought along a Republic FC scarf during the journey. During the swim, his team held up the scarf while Hoftyzer was in the water.
“We love everything that the Republic represents in terms of entertaining product, community engagement and building pride in Sacramento — the area really is a jewel and its time that people recognize that,” said Hoftyzer wanting to show off his love for the Sacramento region while completing the impressive feat.
Republic FC fans can learn more about Hoftyzer’s swim across the English Channel and see his route via the tracking map here.
