The Isle of Wight will be represented by 50 of the 150 swimmers entered in the 69th Pier2Pier Sea Swim Challenge on Saturday 7th August 2021.
The swim, which begins at noon from Sandown Pier, takes place across the 1.8miles of The Bay to the beach by the Shanklin & Sandown Rowing Club, next to where Shanklin Pier once stood.
Amongst the Island entries is Millie Williams, 1 of 3 swimmers in the under 21 category. Millie is a triathlete and has qualified for Team GB World Sprint Triathlon Championships, so this will be a good test for her. Millie’s mum, Hayley Malackey said:
“When I swam the event we had to start by jumping off the Pier! This Sea swim will certainly challenge Millie, but it is a great event”.
Also from the Island are Victoria Thorneton-Fieldand and Sandy Ciccognani who are well known for their enthusiasm for getting people swimming in the sea. They have founded the Swim the Wight Community Interest Co which aims to encourage people with well-being problems to benefit from sea swimming.
Bob Cooper, Safety Officer for the IOW Marlins Swim Club said:
“Having had to cancel last years event due to covid is so encouraging that nearly all of those who entered last year have stayed with us and are coming over to the Island to holiday and incorporate this event. The Marlins give donations to the organisations and charities that enable us to continue organising the event and we encourage the swimmers to raise funds for their own charities.
“Safety is our priority and we thank the Sandown& Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, Ryde Inshore Rescue, the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishermen and the numerous kayakers/canoeists and paddleboarders who support the swimmers. We would still welcome further kayakers to assist”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Just have to dodge all the jobbies
Free clothes pegs for the noses from organisers in the 2021 pier to pier swim there will no problems with sharks this year, you will have to dodge the stools & tissues sorry issues. Southampton hospital has been put on alert.