7. Derwentwater

BLDSA Derwentwater Championships 15th August 2009   Two weeks before the event and the front page of a national newspaper showed Keswick campsite reclaimed by the lake, as swans swam amongst the tents. Two days before the event and the Met Office was predicting “severe to gale force north-easterly winds”, “moderate to heavy rainfall” and visibility as just simply “poor”. Two hours before the event and the possibility of a drastic change of course from the 5 ¼ Mile circuit to a point to point 5 Mile was looking inevitable. As registration opened at 8: 30 a number of sodden competitors came wandering, wearily eyed, up to the desk, it’s fair to say there was a considerable lack of enthusiasm. As it was my first organised swim I was apprehensive, however as the rain eased from monsoon to torrential I felt reassured. With the BLDSA president Jacky Classen, Dee and Liane Llewellyn and many others giving me their support I was confident of a safe and enjoyable swim. The weather had settled enough to keep to the traditional route and it was a great start for the 5 ¼ with the whole pack streaming off towards the choppy waters in the centre of the lake. Half an hour later, as the lead swimmers were reaching the second buoy, they were joined by the start of the 2 mile race. It was then the challenge for the escort crafts as they battled their way up the eastern, most undulating, shoreline. There was just enough time to get back to the finishing pier before William Bott became the first home and the overall winner of the 5 ¼ event in a time of 1.50.18 followed swiftly by Eve fellows (1st lady and junior in 1.56.31) and Mark Preston (2.04.04). The 2 mile swimmers were led home by Laura Bagley powering through to break the 1 hour mark (55.18), Robert Sara became the first male in 1.06.20 and Andrew Coles just a minute behind in 1.07.36. Congratulations to all the finishers, it wasn’t the best conditions and generally a tough swim. There was a considerable lack of juniors this year so if you know anybody who would be interested in competing in the most picturesque championship in the calendar don’t hesitate to bring them. Finally I absolutely have to thank all the wonderful people who helped me; Jacky and Vince Classen, Daniel and Laura Thomas, Chris and Jim Hickling, Dee, Liane and Pat Llewellyn, Janet Wilson, Pam Morgan and Jean Wilkin-Oxley. If I have missed anybody I do apologise but I have waffled on for quite enough now. Thanks again and see you next year! Joe Wilkin-Oxley Swim Sec.

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Results

© DL / BLDSA 2009