ClareBelle Barrett
From Openwaterpedia
ClareBelle (or Clarabelle) Barrett was a Peltham, New York-based open water swimmer who was prominent in the early 20th century.
Open Water Swimming Highlights
- She attempted to become the first woman to cross the English Channel in 1926. She was ultimately unsuccessful.
- On 1 March 1926, she swam her first mile when the temperature was 37°F, a feat of endurance so impressive it made the sports pages of her local paper, New Rochelle's Standard-Star. Note: Under the International Ice Swimming Association rules, this could possibly be one of early Ice Mile swims.
- In August 1926, Barrett came within a few miles of the British coast on her English Channel attempt, but she then became lost in a dense fog and ultimately was pulled after 22 hours. She swam in circles all night, her boat helpers unable to find their way out.
- On 15 January 1927, she entered the Wrigley Ocean Marathon Swim across the Catalina Channel from Isthmus Cove on Santa Catalina Island to the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the Southern California mainland, but did not finish.
- She also coached 19-year-old Ethel Hertle for the Wrigley Ocean Marathon Swim on 15 January 1927.
External links
- Myriad Musings While Marathoning
- Racing For Half A Million Dollars Across The Catalina Channel
- Swimmers on the shore before the start of the Wrigley Ocean Marathon at Isthmus Cove, Santa Catalina Island, 1927
- Wrigley Ocean Marathon 12 January 1927 The Catalina Island
- Hundreds Start Channel Swim, Los Angeles Times
- Open Water Swimming
- International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
- Marathon Swimming
- World Open Water Swimming Association
Notes
1. The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer p.57
