Posted on Wednesday 9th October, 2024

Magic at Whitehaven

Whitehaven Beach Open Water Swim – Sunday 6 October 2024

From registration to departure, event and return we enjoyed the best that Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays have to offer. So many smiles and great achievements both for the quicks and the first timers challenged by an OWS.

The last Whitehaven beach open water swim was in 2019, and it took the Sinkers a few years to consider hosting the event themselves. In 2023 the idea gelled into an event to be co-hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers & Masters Swimming Qld to ensure its viability.

The uncertainty of weather before this event eased into a perfect day with light easterly breezes, a water temperature of 26 degrees and air temperature of 28 to make for perfect conditions. The excitement on the 30m transport vessel was high and the draw of the MS raffle, lucky swimmer prize and presentation of the pre-event raffle set the tone for the day.

Our swim ambassador was none other than Chloe McCardel, known as the Queen of the English Channel, having crossed it a total of 44 times! Chloe generously gave her time to be in Airlie Beach to attend this swim before her week of engagements around Mackay. You can learn more about this amazing and accomplished sports person here. Chloe was able to mix with swimmers, conduct interviews, chat with the MC, participate as an official guest in the day’s activities as well as swim the 2k event.

As with every event, what happens out of sight sets the tone for the event’s efficiency and vibe. The Sinkers swim committee for the event assisted and supported by MSQ and loads of club volunteers transitioned a thought into reality to deliver a quality event that is set to be a fixture on the MSQ and club calendar for years to come.

Some changes on the day saw the event move forward 30 minutes as swimmers were anxious to get into the day’s events without hesitation.

The 1km event was the first away at 11:35 am with some 40 participants followed 10 minutes later by about 53 swimmers in the 2km event. The sight of the 90 plus swimmers on the 500m loop course was pleasing to see. Both starts were fast and clean with a sea of caps striking for the first turn buoy. Some club members gave up a swim to accompany some first time and returning swimmers to ease the way in the open water.

The returning swimmers that began as a trickle as the faster swimmers returned to the finish line soon gained momentum as the bulk of excited and exhausted swimmers streamed in. As the last swimmers approached the out of water finish, an arch of supporting finished swimmers and guests formed to welcome them back, and what a smile they had.

The event was designed by concept to welcome all swimmers into the joy of open water swimming and each and every competitor was presented a commemorative medal for their efforts.

The event awards were based on line honours for both Male and Female in both events for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Fantastic trophies were the order of the day and presented on the beach to smiling recipients.

The event was well attended by swimmers from near and far with a great mix of Masters and guests supported by event officials, volunteers and non-swimming guests.

The day was extensively supported by club coach Millie who runs the Memorial Swim Centre in Mackay. Millie generously supplied all swim caps, medals and volunteer shirts and is a great community supporter. The Qld Country Bank also committed financially, and the event is set to continue next year.

The North Mackay Sinkers Club has increased its equipment resources to include all equipment for an OWS with large marker buoys, a large LED all weather race clock and the latest Race Results timing equipment including the Ubidium Smart box and 102 transponders to record and report all competitors’ times and positions accurately and instantly.

The club would like to thank our generous services, suppliers and sponsors DMR Leisure, Qld Country Bank, Reef Star Cruises, NE Catering, Masters Swimming Qld and of course the many club members who assisted in the lead up to the event and on the day.

The positive and enthusiastic feedback was a great indication of a special day for all swimmers and guests.

The burning question – will we do it again………. Yes, most certainly!

When will it be on in 2025?

While a final decision is yet to be made, the consensus seems to be holding the same date each year to build a following and give certainty to the event. (King’s Birthday weekend 4-6th October 2025)

Mark it on your swim calendar and see you on the beach in 2025!

And of course, the place results with great times. All results available below.

 

1KM

Place

Women

Time

Men

Time

1st

Kylie Smith

16:53

Ross Beaton

16:39

2nd

Christina Scolaro

17:35

Steven Burchill

21:58

3rd

Eloise Houghton

21:18

Arthur Douglas

22:24

2km

Place

Women

Time

Men

Time

1st

Deanne Sanderson

29:52

Martin Banks

27:44

2nd

Elizabeth Denyer

31:02

Billy Grogan

29:10

3rd

Jane Eggins

31:14

Adrian Darveniza

29:13


Results: