10. 2-way Windermere

TWO WAY WINDERMERE, 11th – 12th AUGUST 2007 Following a boat crew and swimmers briefing the Championships ‘staggered start’ began at just after 4.15pm from Waterhead, with Vicki Thompson and Leslie Du Cane. After an earlier downpour the weather was fairly clear and dry. The Lake was calm with a little breeze. The water temperature was higher than it looked! The new BLDSA boat, on its maiden voyage, set off to escort the swimmers. A small crowd of onlookers had gathered. Several of the swimmers and crews for the later starts had also arrived. Swimsafe was also launched, and the Gazebo and banner erected on the lake shore. The second of the staggered starts was just after 7.15pm, with Maureen McCoy, Alan Turk, Robert Hodgson and Derek (Dez) Griffiths. Swimsafe was in attendance with Viv a little wooden motor boat. The last start was just before 9.15pm with Dee Llewellyn, Liane Llewellyn, Nuala Muir-Cochrane, Andrew Allum and David Cech. They were escorted by Geordie Dream. Throughout the race Boomerang was also in attendance. Having set all 11 swimmers off, the turn buoy needed to be set in place at Fellfoot. By this time darkness had fallen and it had started to rain heavily. Nevertheless visibility on the lake was good with lights and the turn judge canoeists were able to prepare themselves to wait for everyone to come round. Boomerang, the 3 RIBs and Viv were patrolling the lake and the rain had turned to drizzle by midnight. The first two retirements were Dez and Andrew, who returned to Waterhead. The remaining swimmers all made it to Fellfoot. The rain continued to change between heavy showers and drizzle throughout the rest of the night but the lake was flat calm until sunrise. There was very little moon and the rainclouds made it a particularly dark night. The air temperature dropped just after midnight but the water temperature was 16 degrees on average throughout the lake. In the early hours we had three more retirements, Alan at the turn, and Vicki and Leslie adding a few more miles before deciding to leave it for another year. Maureen retired at the ferry. The wooden boat Viv went in search of the first swimmers before dawn, and appeared, in choppy water, leading David Cech (on his first attempt) to a Record Breaking Finish. David walked from the water unaided, with a broad smile. His time reduced the men’s record by over an hour and was over 3 minutes faster than the ladies record. Just over an hour later the first lady came in sight and Dee Llewellyn finished, completing her 4th two way. Less than an hour later Nuala and Liane were close to the finish Nuala came in 3rd (on her first attempt) through a squally choppy water and Liane finished close behind on this her 2nd two way. Finally Robert appeared and swam steadily to the finish, completing his first attempt in a few seconds less than 15 hours. Special mention to all the crews, who ended up as wet as the swimmers. Presentation of certificates and trophies were made by BLDSA President Andrew Wright. Thanks to Fellfoot National Trust, Windermere Lake Cruises, and Windermere Lake Wardens, and to everyone who helped with the championship including Janet Wilson and Peter Midwood who acted as canoe guides and were turn judges at Fellfoot, and David Foster who, as boat steward, checked the rowing boats and crews. Carl Walker who controlled the BLDSA safety boats, crewed by Matthew Thomas and Dan Thomas, Andrew Wright and Bev Thomas, and Sandra Wright and David Foster, who were also shore helpers at Waterhead. Jacky Classen and Vince Woodhead who were aboard Geordie Dream, Chris and Norma Green on Boomerang. Dave Cleghorn and Andy Birkett who divided their time between crewing Viv, and the shore at Waterhead with Jim Anderson. Next TwoWay Windermere 2009 (Loch Lomond 2008) Gill Stables (Two Way Windermere Secretary)

To see Photographs of the event click on the PHOTOS button

Results  

The next 2-Way Windermere event will be held over night sometime in July / August, 2009.

© DL / BLDSA 2007