56 round the Boiler

In relatively calm conditions on Thursday afternoon, 56 swimmers took the plunge to compete in the Trader Jacks Boiler Swim but despite their best efforts – the 9 minute flat record for the race remains.

The annual event drew a large crowd to Avarua harbour to watch the race and enjoy the company afterwards.

2010 International Triathlon winner Stephen Farrell was the fastest in the swim winning in 10.58 followed by top local swimmer Vanessa Palmer in a time of 11.23.

Trent White was third overall and second man home in 11.23 with local pharmacist Shannon Saunders coming home seventh overall and second female home in 11.43.

T-shirts and prizes were handed out to the top 10 winners with all swimmers coming home with their own exciting story from the swim including some close shaves with the reef.

The Boiler Swim marked the start of tri week which includes the main event today in the standard distance International Triathlon starting at 2pm from the Ngatangiia rugby field in Muri.

Swim results – Stephen Farrell 10:58, Vanessa Palmer 11:09, Trent White 11:23, Steve Marshall 11:30, Leighton Hunt 11:42, David Bennison 11:46, Shannon Saunders 11:48, Jeremy Rimene 12:00, Jason Green 12:03, David Traill 12:24, Justin Rous 12:26, Duncan Horne 12:33, Roland Neururer 12:34, Cody White 12:59, Remco Bisheuvel 13:19, Mike Carr 13:30, Rangi Apera 13:39, Mike Gilbert 14:03, Allan Bieber 14:16, Jennie George 14:30, Bryn Parry 14:30, Bernie Raffe 14:45, Seth henderson 14:49, John Kennedy 14:58, Abby McGeown 15:01, Howard Baker 15:05, Anna Staples 15:07, Nick Reeves 15:16, Cecille Haines 15:17, Apii Napa 15:20, Arama Tom 15:23, Brendan Sutherland 15:47, Tracey Watson 15:55, Irene Santos 16:17, Abby Wilkinson 16:22, Trevor Watts 16:28, Gillie Cooper 16:44, Glen Armstrong 16:47, Bruce Henderson 17:05, Jorge Ramos 17:05, Jacob Pynenburg 17:05, Katrina Knill 17:05, Justin Henderson 17:05, Tom Gethin 17:05, Del Bewg 17:16, Garry Watts 17:19, Claire Bennison 17:24, John Beecroft 18:20, Jeff Cook 18:35, Joe McCallum 18:53, Katie Black 18:57, Ann Bondy 21:15, Alan Middleton 22:04, Noel White 22:31, Hayley Anderson 23:38, Henry Heather 23:38.