Just keep swimming….

Long before Dory’s line from “Finding Nemo” became famous, Bangor’s Brian Meharg was supporting and encouraging sea swimmers in their quests to conquer the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. His piloting skills are sought-after by open water swimmers from around the world, but he also takes the Ocean Crest - the Bangor Boat - on trips round Bangor Bay, on fishing trips further afield, on missions to large craft moored in Belfast Lough and even for “Folk on the Boat” music sessions during the Open House Festival.

He’s a family man, an author and a superb raconteur - but where to start a conversation when he has achieved so much?

Well…we decided on the swimmers and the female swimmers in particular…..but being Brian, we also touched on cow udder grease, cups of sugar and killer whales….

From left: Brian with Alison Streeter and her mum Freda; Brian navigating on board one of his former vessels, the White Heather; Grainne Moss (nee Gunn) taking a feeding break during a swim; Brian (right) with a sea chart. All pictures supplied by Brian.

Music: Fiddle De Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com