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.
With the starting gun at noon from the beach alongside the Sandown Pier, the swim is across the 1.8miles of the bay to the beach by the Shanklin/Sandown Rowing Club, next to site of the Shanklin Pier that was destroyed in the 1986 storms.
Among the Island entries is Millie Williams, one of three swimmers in the under 21 category. Millie is a triathlete and has qualified for the GB Team 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.”
Swim the Wight founders
Also taking part from the Island will be Victoria Thorneton-Field and and Sandy Ciccognani, who are well known for their enthusiasm for getting people swimming in the sea.
They founded the Swim the Wight Community Interest Co which wants an Island where everyone who wants to swim (this includes non-swimmers who use the water for recreation/health benefits) in the sea can swim safely and where the benefits of sea swimming are known to all, regardless of physical and mental ability.
Cooper: Nearly all who entered last year have stayed with us
Bob Cooper, Safety Officer for the IOW Marlins Swim Club said,
“We had to cancel last year’s event due to Covid, so its 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 and Ryde Independent lifeboats, the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishermen and the numerous kayakers/canoeists and paddleboarders who support the swimmers.”
Can you help?
We would still welcome further kayakers etc to assist. The swim starts at noon and the first arrivals at Shanklin will be 20-25 mins later.
Spectators are welcome.
News shared by Bob on behalf of IOW Marlins Swim Club. Ed
Image: © Claire Speight
