Tsanko Tsankov Conquers the North Channel – the Toughest Challenge of the Ocean’s Seven

On July 19, 2025, Bulgarian open water swimmer Tsanko Tsankov achieved the unthinkable – he swam across the legendary North Channel, between Northern Ireland and Scotland, widely regarded as one of the most grueling challenges in the world of marathon swimming and the most brutal stretch of the Ocean’s Seven series.

A distance of 38 to 40 kilometers, water temperatures below 13°C, strong winds, heavy rain, powerful currents – all faced without a wetsuit. Yet nothing stopped the athlete from Burgas, who completed the swim in 12 hours and 13 minutes, emerging from the water not just as a swimmer, but as someone who overcame the ocean with strength, determination, and character.

Throughout the swim, conditions deteriorated drastically – storms, cold rain, and fierce head currents led to hypothermia. But instead of giving in, Tsankov showed unshakable resolve and proved himself among the bravest open water swimmers on the planet.

At OoYes, we had the honor of supporting Tsanko Tsankov in the most demanding challenge of his career – not only morally, but as an official sponsor of his mission.

We believe in the strength of the human spirit, in the people who turn the impossible into reality – and we are proud to have stood beside Tsanko in this moment of triumph.

He didn’t just cross the North Channel – he inspired thousands of Bulgarians and reminded us all that with willpower, perseverance, and national pride, no waters are unconquerable.

The North Channel is considered by experts to be the most difficult of the seven routes in the Ocean’s Seven challenge – the open water swimming equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. The conditions are notoriously extreme:

We believe in courage, in the power of human will, and in those who inspire others to dream bigger and act bolder.

Supporting Tsanko Tsankov was not just sponsorship – it was part of our mission to stand behind those who are changing the world through action, not words.

Thank you, Tsanko, for once again showing the world what it truly means to be Bulgarian.

OoYes is with you – in this and in every challenge ahead.