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Bay series continues as swimmers tackle Perelle

Bay series continues as swimmers tackle Perelle

Sunday 08 July 2018

Bay series continues as swimmers tackle Perelle

Sunday 08 July 2018


The Guernsey Swimming Club's annual Bay Swim series attracted 44 people in its first event this year, aged between 11 and 83.

They all took to the water at Pembroke last month, making their way across the bay towards L'ancresse.

On that occasion, on Sunday 24 June, the first to finish was Becky Simmons in a time of 11 minutes 15 seconds, she was closely followed by Kevin Penney who came in with a time of 11 minutes 35 seconds. Only a mere five seconds later, Kiia Walker and Veronica Chapman tied in third place clocking in at 11 minutes 40 seconds.

Sponsorsed by Louvre Group, the Pembroke swim was meant to be the third in this year's series but the weather had hampered efforts to hold the Closed Castle and the Rousse to Les Amarreurs swims earlier in June. The second is now being held on Tuesday 10 June at 18:00 while a date hasn't yet been set for the postponed Closed Castle swim. However, the Open Castle Charity Swim, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 19 August, at a time to be confirmed. This year’s chosen charities are Guernsey Mind and The Sunflower Project.

Haidée Stephens, Managing Director of Louvre Trust Guernsey, said; "it was unfortunate that the first two swims of the series had to be postponed due to the weather conditions, however, to have a turnout of 44 at this swim (Pembroke to L'ancresse) is fantastic.

"We were blessed with the weather, which must have made for a pleasant swim.

"At Louvre, we are committed to supporting the island’s thriving sports community and are thrilled to be sponsoring this popular event for the third year."

The conditions for the Pembroke to L'ancresse swim were described as "perfect, with flat calm seas for the 750-metre swim." Among the swimmers were the youngest competitors to take part in this year's open water swim series. They were Megan Clayton Lester and Thomas Stewart, both aged 11; while 83-year-old Mike Banfield was the oldest. He made good time, completing the swim in a fantastic 18 minutes and 30 seconds. Megan completed her swim in 16 minutes 55 seconds. 

Guernsey Swimming Club bay swim Megan

Pictured: Megan Clayton-Lester who at 11 is one of the two youngest swimmers taking part in this year's bay swim series

Guernsey Swimming Club Director Jo Norman said; "It is great to see so many of our younger swimmers taking part. Nowadays the only training they do is in the pool.

"It’s a brilliant experience for all of them and a massive part of the club’s history from the La Vallette days.

"The Guernsey Swimming Club would like to thank all the volunteers who give up their own time to help out at these events. Also, thanks go to Louvre Group, who is sponsoring the ever-popular club series for the third year."

The next bay swims are scheduled as follows:

  • Perelle Sunday 8 July at 13:45
  • Herm Swim Saturday 21 July at 15:00
  • Herm Swim Reserve Date Sunday 22 July at 16:20
  • Portelet to Fort Grey Wednesday 25 July at 18:00
  • Open Castle Charity Swim Sunday 19 August, times tbc

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