Channel Swimmer Mervyn Sharpe of Weymouth.

Mervin Sharpe putting on his goggles prior to his channel swim attempt.

Mervyn Sharp made seven successful channel swims; England to France – 1968 17 hours 52 minutes; 1969 14 hours 29 minutes; 1969 19 hours 41 minutes; 1970 15 hours 14 minutes; 1973 15 hours 17 minutes; 1974 13 hours 42 minutes

France to England – 1967 18 hours 34 minutes; after this swim Mervin Sharp became the first King of the Channel.

In 2007 he was inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame.

Mervin swam on the Canadian Professional circuit in 1971 & 1972. He competed in Lake St. John, Saguenay River, Chicoutimi to Bagotville and the La tuque 24hr swim in Quebec.

Other Competitions; Lulworth Cove to Weymouth 10 miles, Weymouth to Lulworth Cove return 20miles, Torquay to Brixham and return 8 miles, Exmouth 5 miles, Lake Bala two way 8 miles, Swanage to Weymouth 30 miles, Swanage to Bournemouth 9 mile swim.

1970 he represented England in the Windermere International Race; he finished fifth overall second Englishman.