On Sunday 11th September thirteen brave swimmers from the Guernsey Swimming Club took to the waters for the annual Herm Swim, this year sponsored by Louvre Group.
Swimmers set off from St Sampson’s harbour and into the Little Russell where they battled through the water, tides and reefs to reach Hotel beach.
The first to reach the golden sands in Herm, and the recipient of the Harry Lihou trophy, was Becky Simmons who clocked in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes and 6 seconds. Right on her toes was Paul Mason who finished 1 minute behind and 22 year old Kevin Penney claimed 3rd spot in 1:15.30. Thirteen year old nationals swimmer and youngest to complete the swim this year was Laura Le Cras who took 4th place in 1 hour 17 minutes.
‘It is encouraging to see some of our young swimmers who are eligible to compete at this event taking part’ said Guernsey Swimming Club Director Jo Norman. ‘Laura has excelled at so many events and she can now tick this one off her list.’
5th in was James Harrison who will be taking on the English Channel in the coming weeks. He will be following in the footsteps of numerous club swimmers who have completed the grueling 21 mile plus swim.
Reg Luxon was next in closely followed by Rosie Williams and 14 year old Francesca Cronshaw. Katie Norris finished 9th and Evelien Harrison 10th in 1:50.29 and 1:56.38 respectively.
Christine O’Meara, 66, was the oldest swimmer this year that swam the 3 to 5 mile swim. O’Meara completed the distance in two hours. Chris Bran finished in 2 hours 12 minutes and Patricia McDermott 4 minutes behind.
‘Many swimmers where tackling the tough course for the first time and they get a real sense of achievement when landing on a different island’ said Norman. ‘They should all be extremely proud of themselves’.
The Guernsey Swimming Club Directors would like to thank all kayakers, guard boats and volunteers who make this event possible.
