The 70th Pier2Pier Sea Swim Challenge from Sandown Pier to the site of the old Shanklin Pier – organised by the Isle of wight Marlins Masters Swim Club – was held at noon on Saturday (20th July). 157 swimmers – with over 50 from the Island – entered the water and swam across the 1.8miles of the Bay. The fastest male swimmer was Benjamin van De Helstraete (Seaclose S.C) in 32.50 minutes, and the fastest lady was Kitty Craig in 35.08 minutes. In between these 2 were the 15-17yr Juniors, with Harry Shepherd 33.55 just holding off Isobel Muncaster 34.15 (both Seaclose S.C). Benjamin was the fastest Island Male and Abigail Lacey (Seaclose S.C) the fastest Island Lady in 37.21. The last swimmer in was the Islands Legend 86-year-old Jenny Ball (Ryde S.C.) in 1.03.27. There was a large crowd to see the start and the finish, where they were entertained by FatSamba as the swimmers came in. The Trophies were presented by the Island’s European and British 200m Butterfly Down Syndrome swimming Champion, Zac Lacey. The 71st Swim will take place on the 9th of August 2025. 
OVER 150 SWIMMERS COMPETE IN 70TH PIER2PIER SEA SWIM CHALLENGE
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Was interesting to see the increasing amount of elderly swimmers of fifty or more taking part. Great that older swimmers are doing their best to keep fit as time catches up with them.
Well done Ben and Kitty.
The word ‘elderly’ is unnecessary and offensive.
For goodness sake, I am elderly and certainly not offended so be quiet oh and by the way ime not a vegan or tree hugger neither.
I’m 57 & swam it, not at all offended by the word elderly, please stop this woke nonsense
With you all the way Eric, we have got to stop this nonsense before it gets out of hand.
If you find that a word offends you then perhaps this isn’t the place to be!
I am elderly, old, past my prime and even an old fart and every epithet has been earned through hard bloody work and raising a brilliant family and all are worn with pride. There are plenty of woke sites to visit where you and the minority can moan and bitch about being addressed with the wrong pronoun, gender, age, sex or any other crap that floats around like effluent on the river of stupidity.
Lmao, this is just a misdirection ploy to take limewire off the top of google search.
Grow up you idiot.