What a swell day for open water swimmers at Portrush

In the men’s race last year’s winner Jon Glover immediately took the lead closely followed by the waterpolo trio of Colm Watters, Ronan McClean and Declan Kerr.

About half way across the bay Sean Campbell suddenly made a push and caught up with the chasing pack of 3 but Glover by this stage was too far ahead and crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 13 mins 20 secs to retain his crown.

The ladies’ race saw Natalie McClean also retain her crown winning in an impressive time of 14 mins 40secs with Wendy Evans finishing 2nd.

It should also be noted that Wendy from The Loughan completed the swim in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support so a big congrats to her from all at the ILDSA for raising money for such a worthy cause by jumping into 8 degree water.

Afterwards race organiser Jeff Wilson, from the Ballymoney area, thanked the the ever dependable RNLI and the Causeway Coast Kayak Association for their top notch safety cover.

Jeff also a thanked “Portrush Sea tours” and in particular Crawford Rankin who provided his big rib to ferry the swimmers out to the starting point just off the Black Rocks.

Men’s results:

1) Jon Glover 13.20

2) Colm Watters 14.11

3) Sean Campbell 14.16

4) Ronan McClean 14.24

5) Declan Mckerr 14.42

6) Gerry Meehan 14.43

7) Robert Barry 15.02

8) Jeff McCormick 15.38

9) Keith Campbell 15.38

10) Ciaran Pollock 15.48

11) John Simpson 19.03

Ladies’ Results

1) Natalie McClean 14.40

2) Wendy Evans 21.57.