10. 2-way Windermere
BRITISH
LONG DISTANCE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
TWO WAY WINDERMERE
12th – 13th AUGUST 2011
The Championship had a record entry of 16. Traditionally the start times
are separated so as to ensure that swimmers were all in the top half of the
lake towards the end of the swim, aiming for a finish fairly close together.
Swimmers who expected to take 14 hours plus started at 5.00 pm and the remainder
at 8.30 pm (dusk).
The weather was dull, the lake was choppy but the water temperature was higher
than the air temperature.
The Gazebo and BLDSA banner were erected on the lake shore. The Gazebo nearly
became a hazard to aircraft but with the help of Mick and Martin (Jo’s
crew) and a few very large boulders it was captured and re-erected on the
promenade.
The first ‘staggered start’ began at 5pm from Waterhead, with
8 swimmers. Spectators, including several of the swimmers and crews for the
later start saw Claire Bennison – 2009 Ladies Champion – start
the swim. The RIB safety boats Swimsafe, Swim Rescue, and Mrs J also launched.
The second of the staggered starts was 8.30pm, with the remaining 8 swimmers,
also started by Claire.
All starts followed a name check and a briefing for the boat crews and a
boat check from the Boat Steward (David Foster) and the swimmers and were
started in the presence of the BLDSA President, Beverley Thomas
Having set all 16 swimmers off, the turn buoy was set in place at Fellfoot
and the turn judge canoeists (Liane Llewellyn, Chris Hickling and Dez Griffiths)
were festooned in lights and prepared to wait to escort the swimmers through
the maze of moored boats at Fellfoot. Pat Llewellyn and Jean Wilkin-Oxley
joined them on the shore – amidst a Sailing Club party being held in
the café. The swimmers were guided round the turn by the canoe escorts
who were kept busy between 11.30 and 3.00am. By midnight, because of the
staggered starts, all swimmers were in the southern half of the lake. There
were no reports of the ‘usual’ hazard of speeding boats around
the southern end returning from a night out in Bowness – but as usual
all the safety boats were being particularly vigilant at this point.
The 3 RIBs were reporting to Race Control (Beverly Thomas) throughout, who
was based at the Ferry and later at Waterhead. Chris Green was on duty as
mobile First Aid between Fellfoot and Waterhead .The night cooled and rain
fell in localised areas- it may have been raining at Bowness but not in Ambleside
and vice versa. The nearly full moon struggled to get out and mainly stayed
behind the clouds. There were three early retirements. Both Nick and Olly
retired after the Ferry and Kevin elected to retire having completed one
way. Retired swimmers and their crews joined other officials in the Gazebo
at Waterhead, throughout the night. The lake was still lumpy but by sunrise
the rain and drizzle had gone. The morning became quite warm and pleasant
and there was little early mist. The boat steward received the call to say
the first swimmer was within 2 miles at around 5.00 am and Rebecca Lewis
took the Ladies Championship, in 9 hours 4mins 17 secs, followed by the second
lady Nicola Fraser in 9 hours 31 mins and 40 secs. Adam Walker took the Mens
Championship in 10 hours 31 mins 17 secs. The swimmers then continued to
arrive in a steady stream until around 9.30 am when there were just three
swimmers left in the water, escorted by their rowing boats and Swim Safe
and Swim Rescue. Christine finished next in 17 hours 54 mins 23 secs, having
started at 5pm, followed by 8.30 pm starters Barry, who finished in a time
of 15hours 33mins 29secs, and Paul who completed the course in 18hours 50mins
26secs.
Special mention to all the crews, who were out on the lake as long as the swimmers.
The main presentation of certificates and trophies were made by BLDSA President Beverley Thomas. Beverley then greeted Christine, Barry and Paul and presented them with their certificates on the beach.
Thanks to Fellfoot National Trust, Windermere Lake Cruises, Windermere Lake
Wardens and to everyone who helped with the championship and the aforementioned,
including Safety Boats Dan Thomas and Matthew Thomas, Sandra and Andy Wright,
Jimmy Tinsley and Dave Parry. First Aid, David Foster, Sandra Wright, Liane
Llewellyn and Chris Green.
Starters, Timekeepers and Finishing Judges Claire Bennison, Pat Llewellyn
and Jean Wilkin-Oxley.Turning Judges, Liane Llewellyn, Chris Hickling and
Dez Griffiths and Boat steward David Foster.
Next TwoWay Windermere, overnight near a full moon, July/August 2013 (Loch
Lomond 2012)
Gill Stables (Two Way Windermere Secretary)
01539 737083
07773 861507
gillstables@nascr.net
Next TwoWay Windermere 2013 (Loch Lomond 2012)
