Against the odds and the weather, the race went ahead with 46 starters – the lowest for a very long time. Surprisingly, conditions were fine for those in the water – not so good for the kayakers, boat people, timekeepers and other officials, who did a great job.
Hayden Squance was first to finish, with a comfortable margin over Terry Bone and Hamish Neill.
Christina Harris was next – we expect Christina to do that, but surprisingly it’s the first time she’s won the women’s section. Christina was two seconds ahead of Raphael Marinzeck Borborema, with second woman Lucy Barron another six seconds back. Interestingly, of the top six, all but Hayden train in lane five at Riverside Pool during the week – and Hayden often joins them for the Saturday sessions.
Due to the wet, cold conditions, everyone cleared the beach pretty quickly after the race, While Terry, Hamish, Christina and Raphael swam back to the yacht club.
Story on Sportzhub by Peter Gibbs
Here’s the best times over the years: