Sinkers Winter Solstice Swim

The North Mackay Sinkers happily accepted the opportunity to enjoy an ocean swim on Mackay’s show holiday, Thursday June 20.  

The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club hosted its inaugural Winter Solstice swim and invited the general public to participate in the event to support fundraising for the Surf Club.

Twelve Sinkers nominated across the 1, 3 and 5k events on offer to strongly represent the club in this fantastic event that was well supported by over 50 swimmers on the day.

The day dawned clear and cool but the registration was quick and we were provided a briefing of the course, water safety and conditions. Before long the 5k swimmers entered the water for the first of five laps of the 1km course, into 21-degree water we set off into what proved invigorating to all swimmers, some opting for wet suits.  

Interestingly the first 50m from shore was around 18 degrees picking up the cooler evening conditions in shallow water.

In the 5km event, the Sinkers were led home by Pierre Craven who placed 4th overall in 1h 34 min, followed by Nigel Dalton (6th + 3 min) Dan Stampa (11th + 15 min) and Christine Webb (12th, + 19 min)

In the 3km event, the Sinkers were led in by Megan Taylor who placed 4th overall in 56.24 minutes followed by Natasha Mallise (6th + 4 min) Melissa Lysaught (8th + 6 min) Rachel Mundy (9th + 7 min) and Rachel Bidgood (13th + 13 min).

In the 1km event Lesley Thorpe placed 9th overall in 23.25 minutes followed by Sue Willet (15th + 4 min) and Helen Burgess 17th + 7 min).
 
By Dan Stampa

Sinkers Sessions:
Mondays: 5:15pm for 5:30-6:30pm (Millie Monday - coached)
Wednesdays: 5:15pm- for 5:30-6:30pm (Whiteboard Wednesday, led from the pool)
Saturday: 08:00-09:00am (Social Saturday, led from the pool followed by coffee and a treat!)

For further information visit www.facebook.com/NthMackaySinkers or phone 0413 805 156

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Sinkers made a splash at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s wintersolstice swim on June 20. Images supplied

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