Read the Vineyard Gazette article here: 

https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2025/07/22/super-team-completes-nantucket-vineyard-swim.

Read the Press Release from the 2025 Swim Below: 

 Historic Relay Swim Across Nantucket Sound From Nantucket to Edgartown Planned for July 22, 2025  “The Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard Jaws 18-Mile Open Ocean Relay Swim”

On July 22, 2025, eight open water swimmers will attempt a historic and never-before-accomplished open water relay ocean swim: an 18-mile swim across Nantucket Sound from Nantucket’s Eel Point to the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard named “The Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard 18 Mile Open Ocean Relay Swim.” The approximate official landing is expected between 4:00-5:00 pm where, hopefully, all 8 swimmers will land simultaneously. 

The swim will be shown with photos and videos in real time from Douglas McConnell’s personal facebook page. There will also be a spot tracker device to allow the public to track the swim in real time. 

The relay is led by accomplished English Channel swimmer and open ocean endurance athlete Doug McConnell, who has previously attempted this Nantucket-to-Martha’s Vineyard route three times. His first attempt came heartbreakingly close, just feet from the Vineyard’s shores, before a powerful current forced an end to the swim. McConnell’s other attempts were ended due to the ravaging currents which are famously complex in these waters. 

Joining McConnell for this groundbreaking relay are fellow Vineyard open water swimmers Josh Thomson, Greg Mason, John Chatinover, Andy Neuberger, Noah Froh, John Chatinover, and Jason Snow. The swim will be supported and navigated by seasoned pilot Captain Eamonn Solway with his Charter named Island Girl, who has led all three of McConnell’s previous attempts across the Nantucket Sound. Captain Solway is also joined by seasoned pilot Captain Spa Tharpe who also piloted on the three previous swims. The third boat in the water will be a safety boat and it will be piloted by Lou Quattrucci. The swim will be supported by Vineyard Sound navigation experts Geoff Gibson, Mark Baumhofer, and Dana Gaines, all three of whom have been integral in previous swims. Dana Gaines always plays the critical role as the lead kayaker. 

“This swim has become a personal mission,” said McConnell. “Tackling it as a relay not only increases our chances of success, but also magnifies the joy of achieving it together. We’re manifesting this crossing with purpose, raising essential funds for the Learn to Swim programs at the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA. Water safety for children is critical, and we believe this swim can help make that vision a reality.”  Donations may be made at www.ALongSwim/org/donate 

Nomans of Oak Bluffs, MA  is hosting a post-relay gathering and press conference that is open to the public on Tuesday evening following the completion of the swim named “The Relay Replay - The Swimmers Speak.” All 8 swimmers as well as the boat pilots will be on a panel to talk about the events of the historic day and will take questions. All members of the press are welcome to attend. The address of Nomans is 15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. 

Jen Passafiume, Aquatics Director of the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard, is very excited to have additional funds to help island children be safe in and around the water. “Having additional funding is critical to helping us reach more children. Stronger swimming skills can and does save lives! We are so thankful to have a wonderful community and programs such as Doug McConnell’s A Long Swim team to support in continuing to teach more children how to swim here on Martha’s Vineyard.” 

 All of the swimmers on the team are notable in their swimming accomplishments. For example, 

Josh Thomson is a father of three active kids on MVY, a sports marketing and tech consultant, and an avid pool and open water swimmer. His biggest claim to swimming fame was training with his younger sister who swam in three Olympics! Josh is thrilled to be attempting this relay crossing with all his swimming buddies and to be raising money for the YMCA. 

Jonathan Chatinover is a consultant at ACC, Inc. helping professional firms (mostly law firms) with accounting systems. A Masters swimmer since 2012, Chatinover swam on a relay around Manhattan Island in 2014. He swam collegiately at Wesleyan University where he was Co-Captain for 2 years and placed in the top 16 in the 500 freestyle his junior year at the New England Championships.

Andy Neuberger is an Ironman athlete and swimmer.