Former Rugby Player Iain Sinclair to Swim Caledonian Canal for Charity

A former professional rugby player, Iain Sinclair, is set to embark on a record-breaking swim along the length of the Caledonian Canal on September 15, 2023. Sinclair aims to become the first person to complete a continuous swim of the canal, which spans approximately 60 miles and includes navigating through all 29 locks. This ambitious challenge is not only a personal goal but also a means to raise funds and awareness for three charities that are close to his heart.

Sinclair, who played for both the Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, will undertake this physically demanding feat to support the Highland mental health charity Mikeysline, as well as Crohn’s & Colitis UK and the British Heart Foundation. The swim represents a significant personal journey for the 48-year-old, who has faced his own health challenges, including a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis. After undergoing major surgery in 2013, he completed an Ironman triathlon two years later, raising funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

This swim is particularly poignant for Sinclair, as it marks ten years since he and his late friend, Colin Maguire, completed the Ironman together. Maguire tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2024. Sinclair aims to dedicate this swim to Maguire’s memory, advocating for heart health awareness through the British Heart Foundation. Additionally, he will honor the memory of Jenny Hastings, who battled mental health issues, by supporting Mikeysline.

“I have always wanted to do something a bit different, something physically and mentally demanding, ideally something never done before,” Sinclair said. He noted that swimming has always posed a challenge for him, given his background as a rugby player. Despite his nickname, “Sinky,” Sinclair has chosen to tackle this daunting task, stating, “It’s long, cold water, and logistically quite tricky.”

The training regimen for this event is intense, requiring Sinclair to prepare for swimming the equivalent of 10 kilometers back-to-back. “The training is not only physically demanding but also a mental challenge,” he explained. Sinclair is grateful for the support he has received from a dedicated team of fitness experts, friends, and family, emphasizing the collective effort behind his journey.

John Paterson, the chief executive of Scottish Canals, highlighted the importance of safety during this unprecedented swim. “There are lots of unseen hazards in the canal, so it’s essential that our waterway operatives and safety professionals work closely with Iain’s team,” he stated. Paterson welcomed the public to cheer Sinclair on during his swim, reminding them that while the canals are not designated for swimming, they can enjoy the scenery from other vessels.

Sinclair’s endeavor is officially supported by Huub Design, which will provide high-quality swimming gear and accessories. Those interested in following Sinclair’s journey can visit Sea2Sea.co.uk for updates.

As the swim approaches, Sinclair is committed to giving his all, not only for the world record attempt but also to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the causes he champions. “We’re going to give this everything we’ve got,” he affirmed, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that has characterized his life and career.