Held in Dover Harbour , on Saturday 14th June 2008.Champion of Champions Event For the third year we were fortunate to hold the 25th Champion of Champions event in Dover Harbour. Lessons learned from the two previous years forced us to spend time mooring the buoys in the correct position, the night before but we still had to move buoy No3 on the first lap so that didn’t work! . So the morning of the 14th dawned with the weather forecast, of Squally Showers and a few sunny spells with an air temp of 16o C. Nevertheless, at 08:00 the sun was out and the Harbour like a millpond, what a difference from last year. The water temperature was a pleasant 55oF or about with a few cold spots. With the briefing out of the way the first of the 68 swimmers started to move towards the water, only to be meet by a Sea lion, who seemed very interested in joining in the event, but Day membership was refused, on the grounds of not attending the briefing session. After a slight mix up on the start and only 20 minuets late they were off at 9:35. The pack quickly spread out; with fastest swimmers reaching the first turn Buoy before the tale Enders had crossed the start line. The two pack leaders having a spectacular race between each other, lapping mile on mile with only seconds between them., Caroline Ball coming home first 1:35:09 closely followed by Chris Eynon only 46 second behind, There then followed a 8 min gap to the third position and to the first Junior home Nicola Fraser. There then followed a precession of swimmers. The lasts swimmer home as per usual was Leslie Du Cane in a time of 3:17:29. Unfortunately four swimmers retired for various reasons, thankful three restarted in both the 3 and 1 mile. The three-mile race started, as the five mile with a wiggly line next to the start Boat, if the five-mile race had been thrilling the three was even closer. Once again, Caroline Ball coming home first in a time of 56:12. Second place was Chris in a time of 57:42 and not letting the juniors down Nicola completed the course in third place in an excellent time of 1:01:00. The safety boats had a much easier time with no retirements, but a few hart stopping moments as Lau’ra Churchill, navigation was slightly out and was swimming for France or possibly America. With a few upset yachtsmen all was ok. With the addition of one Swim Secretary and a number of swimmers from Wellington Collage the mile was started. The race containing some of the earlier retirees went off at rapid speed with the first two swimmers once again jostling for the premier position. The first home in a reversal of the Five and Three was Chris in spectacular time of 18:03, seconds later Caroline in 18:34, in third was Nicola only three seconds behind. Nevertheless, the second place was immaterial Caroline had done enough in the five and three to win the Championships. With Chris to win the Men’s and Nicola to win the Jnr Ladies. The last home for the day was once again Leslie. However, this was a great success as Leslie has competed in this event for the last two years, both times the Harbour has been the winner, not today. Through the day I witnessed various feats of achievements which I congratulate all the swimmers. I would also like to thank the following: Lee Wakeman and Dover Life Guards Club. All the support people and officials without their help the day would not be possible. Dover Water Sports Center. The Port Of Dover. I would like to ask all the swimmers on their opinion about holding the presentation in the White Horse or similar at 20:00, this gives me time to complete the cert's and sort in to order. I look forward to seeing you all next year. Thanks Stephen
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Results
