August will witness the 30th anniversary of a very special athletic achievement in Bermuda ? maths professor Sean O?Connell?s 47-mile round-the-Island swim.

And to celebrate this unique feat, which was cited in the 1978 Guinness Book of World Records, the Bermuda Masters Swimming Association are organising a round-the-Island relay swim, starting on August 19.

The event will be comprised of 20 legs, starting and finishing at the 9 Beaches resort in Somerset, with the 64-year-old Connell set to complete the final stint in the water.

The ultimate goal is to raise funds for the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, the same charity that O?Connell championed back in 1976.

Money donated will be used for the transportation needs of the disabled, including ancillary equipment and maintenance.

?We thought this relay swim would be a great way to commemorate what was a fantastic achievement ? something which had never been done before and still has not been repeated ? while also helping raise money for a very worthy cause,? said BMSA president Nick Strong.

?The leg distances vary from just under two kilometres to over eight so there will be an opportunity for swimmers of various abilities to take part in what should be a great occasion.

?The swim will start at seven in the morning on Saturday the 19th and continue during daylight hours throughout the weekend.? Further details can be obtained by calling Nick Strong on 294-3573 or 799-9137.