Sinkers Annual King & Queen of The River 2024
The annual river swim hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers was a resounding success, drawing in 40 enthusiastic competitors. Swimmers from Townsville and other regions joined local swimmers for this annual event always held in the November, always on the first Sunday. The conditions were ideal for an invigorating race, and the atmosphere was charged with camaraderie and support.
The day dawned with warm cloudy conditions as site and course set up was completed in time for the 615am registration of competitors that slowly built to over 60 including swimmers, our wonderful volunteers and spectators.
Race briefings for safety volunteers highlighting potential course issues and emergency procedures helped with swimmer safety. This was quickly followed by a briefing for all swimmers regarding the course being delivered by our all-day MC Nigel Dalton. The course was a well-marked 1.25km loop course swum in a clockwise direction, keeping all buoys on the right shoulder. Water temperature was around 26 degrees and coupled with light wind conditions made for pleasant swimming conditions for all competitors.
Race 1 – 5 km: A prompt, on schedule start at 710 am by new club president Rachel saw the main event of the day get under way. It was a somewhat grueling 5km tussle amongst 10 registered swimmers vying for the coveted crown of King and Queen of the river awards for 2024. Great perpetual trophies were offered for the first time last year and swimmers were keen to add their name to the trophy base.
| 5 km Results | ||
| Place | Male | Female |
| First | Ryno Bornman (01:27.04) | Jane Eggins (01:34:08) |
| Second | Greg Born (01:28:42) | Sam Sticklan (01:36:15) |
| Third | Pierre Craven (01:28:58) | Sarah Shuttlewood (01:40:07) |
Race 2 – 2.5 km: Following the main event the starter commenced swimmers at 0715am for what some considered a more reasonable distance. The shorter distance of the event saw competitors start at a great pace as individuals headed to the first turning buoy in pursuit of the 5k swimmers and line honours in this event.
| 2.5 km Results | ||
| Place | Male | Female |
| First | Peter Shannon (01:24:22) | Karlee Hayden (00:50:01) |
| Second | No place | Katelan Reddacliff (00:53:20) |
| Third | No place | Jane Brond (00:56:20) |
Race 3 – 1.25 km: Drawing the largest field of 20 competitors was the 1.25km event that offers the distance for swimmers using aids such as fins to offer an introduction to open water swimming events. Always a popular event it can be a quick event as swimmers set off at 720 just 10 minutes behind the 5km event. With just the single loop to complete swimmers set off at a moderate pace but were never able to catch the leading 2.5 and 5k races competitors but did enjoy a great swim at this popular Mackay location.
| 1.25 km Results | ||
| Place | Male | Female |
| First | Peter Benson (00:25:00) | Megan Taylor (00:23:51) |
| Second | Paul Arvidson (00:26:37) | Lucy Guye (00:26.56) |
| Third | Geoff Hamilton (00:28:41) | Rebecca Cassanovas (00:28.31) |
It was a fantastic day out enjoyed by many and we look forward to hosting a number of events in 2025 to provide opportunities for local and visiting swimmers to challenge themselves and enjoy all Mackay has to offer.
The Club would like to thank the following groups.
Tri-ActiV8 for promoting and assisting with water safety, Nikki and her merry band of volunteers for a late call up for assistance.
DMR Leisure Mackay Memorial Swimming Centre for the provision of medals for the 1.25 and 2.5km podium places. And Millies preparation of Sinkers competitors for the event.
Mackay Rowing Club for use of facilities and rowers for clearing the course ahead of the event.
Mackay Canoe Club for facilities and assistance on the day.
And of course, the many club volunteers, officials, timing and other roles required to host the event for local swimmers to enjoy. We look forward to your company at the 2025 event scheduled for Sunday November 2nd (Remember its always the first Sunday!)
The club is now preparing for its next swim at Cats Eye beach on Hamilton Island as the annual event approaches on Sunday Nov 24. (held by Hamilton Island events)
Submitted by Dan Stampa
Vice-President, North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club
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