OVER the weekend of September 15 and 16 some open water swimmers from the Launceston area attended the Scilly Swim Challenge, which involved swimming and walking the five main islands over two days.

They swam in aid of Cancer Research UK and raised £250.

Gary and Kath Hooper, Nicky Foulds, Tess Henwood and Katy Paynter all attended the event, completing up to 15km in total.

The plan was for six swims, averaging 2.5km in total and six walks averaging 1.7km completed as a group along with more than 100 other swimmers from not only all over the country, but all over the world.

Swimmer Nicky said: “Obviously the island’s waters are very changeable and tide dependent and the event can only go ahead if the weather is favourable; it might look nice and calm in the bays, but once out of the safety of harbours and bays into the deep channels, it can be a very different story! However, some of the swims between the islands are in fact very shallow, which gives a lovely swim as you can see the sea bed and marine life, but also why the local knowledge of the boatmen and safety support is critical.”

Swimmers were grouped into ‘pods’, each with several kayaks and a safety boat for support. At no time are swimmers alone and wear bright caps, red, amber and green.

Nicky said: “The event started on St Mary’s at Porthcressa Beach on the sunny Saturday lunchtime, swimming to St Agnes, an estimated distance of 2.9km with an air temperature of 17 degrees and water temperature of around 15 degrees.

“However, the swell was quite big and the tide strong towards the end and some swimmers were quite off course and clocked over 4km! The next swim was to Tresco, a distance of just under 6km, a long but calmer swim, though several swimmers had soon realised that open water swimming is very different from pool or lake swimming and declined this one or spent some of the swim on the safety boats, an option always available if cold, tiredness or cramp sets in. Local residents provided food stops at the end of each swim with drinks and home made cakes, loaded with the necessary calories!”

Nicky continued: “The second day started at 7am on the harbour where swimmers were taken by boat to Bryher to swim the short distance of just under 1km to Tresco. A short walk to the refreshment stop for breakfast, then the 2.3km shallow crossing to St Martins via Tean, the final channel being tough with the strong current. Another walk to Town Beach via another lovely cake stop, but unfortunately the weather was too rough to swim the final swim back to St Mary’s, so the crew organised a swim around the bay to clock up the final few kilometres.

“After a well earned hot chocolate and pasty, swimmers were taken by boat back to St Mary’s, the kayakers having to brave the waves back! The event concluded with a party at Karma St Martins, with a barbecue, music from lead kayaker, Dan, and roundup of the weekend’s event by the organisers, Nick and Bryony Lishman and Dewi Winkle.”

Nicky added: “The boat ride back to St Mary’s in the dark was great fun, singing Trelawney, competing with the Irish contingent!”

The emphasis in the event is that it is a challenge, not a race, which makes it very inclusive and enjoyable as there is no pressure, although swimmers must be experienced in open water and be able to swim a mile in 40 minutes. It is open to both wetsuit swimmers and non-wetsuit or ‘skins’.

There is also a one day event in spring for those wishing to test their endurance in colder temperatures and a one day event following the two-day for more experienced, faster swimmers. Dates for 2019 events will be released shortly as will details of a planned swim around St Mary’s in June, either individually or as a team. Details can be found on www.swimscillychallenge.co.uk