Featured photo by Kay Sneddon, Oxford Bayley, Hayden Squance and Terry Bone.
That was a very tough swim of just over 1300m. The first 600m south was a tough slog into the wind and tide. The prevailing wisdom was to stick close to the wall, but it was hard not to be pushed out into the harbour. The next two legs were relatively easy, but it was hard going all the way to the finish.
How hard was it? Eight swimmers pulled out during the swim – that must nearly be a record.
Hayden Squance cruised to a win by more than a minute from Terry Bone, with Oxford Bayley, who chose to swim without a wetsuit, taking third ahead of Peter Burrell.
Abbey Smale was next, narrowly winning the women’s section from Emily Chadderton, with Ben Van Dyke narrowly holding off the third woman, Sam Harman.
Photos by Jacquie Old – you can download these photos
Here’s the points to date
Story on Sportzhub, by Peter Gibbs
If you haven’t entered Sunday’s 5km race, you can do that from this website.
There’s also an informal, independently-organised group swim of 4.5km between Marahau and Kaiteriteri on Tuesday January 4 with the option of a 1km swim from Breaker Bay to Kaiteriteri. There is no charge for this swim and it’s open to all, but you must register. All boat, kayak paddle board support welcome. Click here for details.