The 64th Pier to Pier swim race organised by the IOW Marlins Masters Swim Club proved to be a bit of a bumpy challenge for the 81 swimmers who took part on Saturday (6th August).
The slightly choppy conditions were caused by the wind blowing in the opposite direction to the tide. The tide was a spring tide and this assisted the swimmers to go across the Sandown/Shanklin Bay faster than in previous years. This meant that many of the regular competitors had improved times for the swim.
A good holiday crowd watched as the race started with the men entering first, then 2 minutes later the ladies (This is done to reduce the congestion at the first turning buoy).
All the swimmers completed the course safely, protected by 27 kayakers, the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and Ryde Inshore Rescue, as well as the Shanklin Sea Fishermen.
The fastest Isle of Wight swimmer was Ella Hillier, who swims with West Wight SC, in a time of 36:35secs.
The fastest Isle of Wight man was Gavin Muncaster, who coaches and swims at Seaclose SC. His time was 37:47secs. Gavin said:
“I haven’t swum in the sea for over 3 years and so to do this and get a trophy has been a great experience. I now want to get a team of IOW swimmers together so we can challenge the London Polytechnic swimmers for the ‘Heights’ Team Trophy next year”.
The most senior swimmer was Jenny Ball (IOW MarlinsSC). Her time was a pleasing 49:57secs.
The trophies were presented by Gary Watson, the Isle of Wight’s World Champion Paraplygic swimmer who was part of the 4×100 FGreestyle Team that set a new world record in 1990 – a record that still stands today.
Bob Cooper, Safety Officer for the race said:
“Once agin an IOW group has presented an excellant event, that encourages more visitors, and keeps the Island’s reputation as an excellant sporting venue alive. All 81 swimmers completed the course safely and I thank everyone involved but especially the Kayakers and Lifeboats for their efforts, as without them we could not hold the event”.
Featured photo: Wight Drone (www.wightdrone.co.uk)
