The Isle of Wight Marlins Pier2Pier Swim Challenge on Saturday 30th July saw 124 swimmers from across the Island and the Mainland, complete the swim from Sandown Pier to Shanklin Rowing Club Beach, most of them having registered for the 2020 swim that Covid cancelled and the 2021 in which the weather won.
In the most glorious sunshine, and warm 19 degree sea, the swimmers took a range of times from 34:44 minutes too 57:04min to swim the 2Km course across the Bay.
Supported by a flotilla of craft
The swimmers’ safety was looked after by a flotilla of craft, led by the Sandown and Shanklin Independent and the Ryde Inshore Independent Lifeboats, supported by six members of the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishermen in their own craft plus 16 private kayakers.
Also there to refresh the swimmers at the finish were the staff of the Shanklin Rowing Club who supplied the swimmers with a hot soup and bread rolls plus the use of their facilities.
The first aid throughout was managed by the Ryde Beach Lifeguards, but thankfully not called upon, as everyone was well and happy.
Mayor presented the prizes
At the presentation of prizes Cllr Chris Quirk, Shanklin Town Council Mayor presented the winners with a Trophy and a framed illustration of the whole event by Island Artist Maria Ward.
The winners were:
- Fastest Man; Alistair Bingham from Wycombe District in 34:44
- Fastest Woman: Katie Shepherd from Trinity SC in 37:36
- Fastest Island Man: Rob Johnson from ‘Smiles of Wight’ in36:03
- Fastest Island Woman: Millie Williams from IOW Tri in 39:10
- Fastest Breaststroker: Vince Fanning, Independent in 43.04
- Generation Trophy: Big Fish, Little Fish, Independent in 01:16:43
- Fastest Woman under 21yr: Millie Williams from IOW Tri in 39:10
- Fastest Woman 30-39yrs: Katie Shepherd from Trinity SC in 37:36
- Fastest Woman 40-49yrs: Michelle Laverick from Hart SC in 37:42
- Fastest Woman 50-64yrs: Bridget Bewick from Bracknell Masters SC in 39:16
- Fastest ‘Supervet’ Woman: Hellen Needham from South London Masters in 50:31
- Wetsuit Overall Woman: Sarah King from Portsmouth Triathletes in 40.41
- Fastest Man 21-29yrs: Alistair Bingham from Wycombe District in 34:44
- Fastest Man 30-39yrs: Josh Ryall, Independent in 39:29
- Fastest Man 40-49yrs: Rob Johnson from ‘Smiles of Wight’ in 36.03
- Fastest Man 50-64yrs: Clive Benson, Independent in 37:27
- Fastest ‘Supervet’ Male: Stephen Baker from Spencer Swim Team in 41.45
- Wetsuit Overall Male; Piotr Meller from South Sea Swim Run in 40:16
- Fastest Team of 4: ‘Ducks and Swans’, Independent in 02:33:26
- Most Senior Finisher: Jenny Ball from IOW Marlins in 57:04
You can see all the images taken on the day by Mandy Meadows on her Website.
Cooper: Hard work behind the scenes
Bob Cooper, Chair and Safety Officer for the Isle of Wight Marlins SC said,
“It has been a hard three years for the Club with these cancellations but todays event has made the wait worth it.
“To see the 124 swimmers and their supporters all enjoying the best the Isle of Wight can offer, my team of Marlins members and their families and friends who have worked so hard behind the scenes, and the support of all the mariners, plus the Isle of Wight council Parking Team to make this what it is becoming, an iconic fixtures in the sea / open water swimming calendar.
“A very big thank you from me.”
News shared by Bob on behalf of Isle of Wight Marlins. Ed
Images: © Mandy Meadows
