Collie Watters came home first overall in the 2016 West Bay Swim in Portrush over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Race report
The race took place on Sunday afternoon and saw 25 swimmers ferried out to Blackrock in Portrush's West Bay from where the competitors raced to the harbour finish line.
The conditions on shore were perfect, with the sun shining and plenty of spectators enjoying the warm temperature. In the water, it was slightly different with all the swimmers required to compete in skins and water temperature in or around 10 degrees, although with very little swell.
Watters led from the start, pulling away from brother Louis Watters and club mate Ronan McClean. McClean stayed within touching difference but had to settle for second place, coming in 5 seconds behind the winner. Sean Campbell, formerly of Donegall Water Polo Club, finished third overall.
Setanta senior squad members Declan Neeson and Donnchadh Murphy also took part in the race, which is seen by many as ushering in the open water season in the North.
The event was expertly organised by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association and supported by the RNLI, the Causeway Coast Kayak Association, Portrush Yacht Club and volunteers.
Results
Male
- Colm Watters (13.27)
- Ronan McClean (13.33)
- Sean Campbell (14.42)
Female
- Caitlin Barry (16.17)
- Emma Van Loock (16.18)
- Caroline Boyle (16.38)
Overall
Full results and times can be found below:
Images
