But it was, perhaps, a young lady that stole the show in the 50th annual race.
Katie Speller (15) regained the women’s crown, which she first won in 2002, in spectacular style – finishing second overall – in a time of 22.24.
Speller’s swim was particularly noteworthy as the start of the women’s race was five minutes after the men’s – but she was disappointed.
‘I’m disappointed because I didn’t break the record – but I’m pleased to have finished first and my time was a personal best.
It was a bit choppy outside the harbour, but much better inside! The water was pretty cold.’ Chilly Militis, too, was slightly disappointed with his 21.16 sec time.
‘I had Nathan Jégou to race with last year and, even though he beat me, my time was better.
This year he was cheering from the quayside! The weather wasn’t as good this year though, the waves were coming at me sideways between the breakwater and the harbour mouth, but they were helping bring me in as I turned into the harbour.
The water was chilly but okay once I got started.
The race was fun, and I felt good.’ Staggered The start of the Jersey Swimming Club event was staggered because of the huge number of entrants for this anniversary event – 114 took the plunge at the Elizabeth Castle breakwater, into chilly and slightly choppy seas.
Militis set the pace, and was ahead of the pack very quickly with his measured strokes, while several more men followed closely, but Militis extended the distance between them and was alone as he turned in between the marina pontoons to the finish in front of the Maritime Museum to the applause and cheers of the waiting crowd of families and friends.
A murmur of excitement went up as Speller powered her way into second place overall, while just behind her were Peter Baudains, in a time of 22.38 and former winner Bruce Bridal in 22.40.
These two were so close they looked as though they were swimming arm-in arm as they came to the finish.
JSC president Neil Faudemer said: ‘I think everyone enjoyed the race, I certainly hope so.
The sea was a good three degrees colder than it usually is at this time of year and it was choppy.
Because of the tides, we had to hold the race about 45 minutes earlier than we usually do which meant it had to be fitted in with the ferry arrivals and departures, so unfortunately we had to get a few of the slower swimmers out of the water when we ran out of our allocated time.’ Faudemer added his thanks to all at the Harbour Office, the guard boat crews and canoeists on duty and the time-keepers.
