Sinkers Return To Magnetic Island Swim

The North Mackay Sinkers have competed in the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association (TOWSA) annual events and series for many decades. The most recent excursion was the Annual TOWSA Magnetic Island to Mainland swim which is race four in the series. Now in its 70th year and the 16th year as a cageless swim, the iconic Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim is the showcase event of the TOWSA Open Water Race Series. 
This year’s event was celebrated with extra emphasis on the events long history and incorporated an Art competition as well as an official presentation at the Drill Hall after the swim. The winner of the first race in 1954, Kauko Kaurila, was on hand to greet swimmers as they crossed the finish line.
The Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim starts from Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on Townsville's shoreline, directly in front of Strand Park.  Guided by a paddler swimmers cover a total distance of 8km. 
The 2024 swim was well represented by Mackay Swimmers from various clubs and individuals to boost numbers above previous years. A total of 89 solo swimmers, 11 duos and a further 11 teams of four registered to boost the year to 155 swimmers in the field.
The day dawned cool and clear with little to no wind providing near perfect race conditions for all competitors. The morning starts before dawn with kayakers either paddling over or using the provided barge option before making their way to the ferry terminal with the swimmers to enjoy a quick boat trip followed by a bus transfer to Picnic Bay for pre-race numbering, briefings and a warm up swim in the 21-degree water. Solo competitors were sent off in two waves at 8:00am and 8:05am before being followed by duos and teams at 8:15am.
The hectic start is a race to the first buoy over a shallow reef and trying to meet up with the kayaker waiting for them amongst the 115 odd kayaks with the same mission. Duos and teams also reunite with their respective vessels slightly further out. After 1 or 1.5km the race steadies down as swimmers hit their stride and aim for the Aquarius tower and the far away finish line.
Leading contenders completed the swim in 1 hour 52 Minutes with all competitors needing to be ashore before the cut off time. The last solo swimmer finished in 3 hours 41 minutes; Duos ranged in finish times from 2:03:32 to 3:43:30 and teams of 4 ranged from 2:14:31 to 3:18:27.
Pierre Craven from the Sinkers managed 2:48:54 in what was his longest open water swim placing 39th of 89 competitors.

Robyn Richards and Chris Webb finished in 3:11:41 and 3:11:49 respectively to continue a friendly rivalry spanning many years. Other swimmers included Samatha Sticklan, Sarah Shuttlewood, Ashley Zerner and Linda Wetherall amongst a host of Mackay-based swimmers.
The Sinkers duo of Megan Taylor and Daniel Stampa finished in 2:48:23 placing 4th of 11 teams. With Natasha Mallise and Sandra Wood in 6th rounding out strong performances from Mackay based athletes.
The next major open water swim is the Sinkers and Masters Swimming Queensland’s very own Whitehaven Beach swim scheduled for Sunday October 6th. This is a limited entry event that is open to all swimmers 18 and over on a local iconic beach that will deliver a great day out for swimming enthusiasts from around Australia.
‍

Contributed by Dan Stampa

‍

Solo swimmers: Chris Webb & Robyn Richards        
Duo Swimmers: Natasha Mallise, Sandra Wood
Swimmers, Kayakers and vessels gather before the start.
Duo Swimmers: Dan Stampa and Megan Taylor. Photos supplied

‍