19/08/2026
Congratulations to Maura Twomey of Ireland for successfully crossing the Catalina Channel in the unofficial time of 15:45:23 (pending ratification).
At 70 years old, Maura becomes the oldest person to successfully cross the Catalina Channel. And while she was at it, she also completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.
Catalina did not give up either accomplishment easily. The swim started hard and only got harder. Maura began in 12 knot winds, chop, and swells that never completely settled. Then, during the final few hours, conditions turned epic. Winds kicked up to 20 knots, blowing Maura off course and turning an already difficult swim into a battle to reach the California coast. She kept swimming.
For the final stretch, both kayakers and her crew chief, Elaine Howley, accompanied her toward shore. Maura then had one final obstacle: scrambling up a rocky shoreline to complete the swim, skinning her knee in the process.
Maura swam aboard the Kamryn Dawson, supported by crew chief Elaine Howley and crew member and support swimmer Barbara Coucci. Kayak support was provided by Sidney Russell and Angela Lee, while David Sundius and Joel Virgil served as CCSF Official Observers.
70 years old. 15:45:23. A new Catalina Channel age record. A Triple Crown. And one skinned knee.
Congratulations, Maura. What a swim.
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/mauratwomey3?fbclid=IwdGRjcATycEVwZG9mBWZkaWQWUMwyWw_sC_dPY8yRPmSqvk1WQc0D8mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR48AUWbZSrlHqjuoGCPRaIR1blJwzjnU-GVoawR0GwccO9jgoz9FnoSz1OdQg_aem_-Vg7DBkhI1usmTxel5mSMQ
Maura is Swimming the Catalina Channel for Irish Kidney Association CLG, created by maura twomey | iDonate.ie