volunteers, awards, recaps
NE LMSC
NELMSC Announces Class of 2020 Hall of Fame ...
NELMSC Announces Class of 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
NE LMSC
NELMSC Announces Class of 2019 Hall of Fame ...
NELMSC Announces Class of 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

open water

,

Kingdom Swim 2016 Recap

,

Contributed by Charlotte Brynn, NE-LMSC Open Water Chair

Results      Photos              

Kayakers and Swimmers preparing for the 10km marathon swim

LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG, NEWPORT, VERMONT -  With a variety of distances to choose from, a sandy start and finish, and fresh water, Kingdom Swim 2016 was a perfect event for first timers and seasoned veterans. This year, New England swimmers flocked to the waters of Lake Memphremagog, and they were in good company; approximately 150 swimmers and about 140 kayakers participated. They travelled from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ireland, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Quebec. Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington State, and Wisconsin.

Charlotte Brynn on her way to winning the 25km Border Buster

Charlotte Brynn on her way to winning the 25km Border Buster

The weekend kicked off with a Pizza Cruise on the Northern Star, with motivational speaker Craig Dietz, 41, from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, also known as the Limbless Waterman. He delivered a powerful talk, and on Saturday, completed the longest swim of his life, the 10 km marathon course in a time of 4:12:35. Craig used a flipper attached to his left leg stump and undulated on his back.

Women's 10km skin podium

Women's 10km skin podium

After a terrific Pasta Dinner on Friday evening, swimmers were ready to take to the Lake. Kingdom Swim included the 15.9-mile (25 km) Border Buster, the USMS 10-mile Open Water National Championship, a non-championship wave of the 10-mile course, a 6.2-mile (10 km) race, as well as 3.1-mile (5 km) and 1-mile races.

For the first time this year, the event featured a pig roast in the evening. The event featured live music and a raffle to win entry to various swims, including Swim the Suck, Swim the Kingdom Week, and the Cork Distance Training Camp.

Top finishers in the men's 5km skin race

Top finishers in the men's 5km skin race

Big thanks to Bob Fernald, event referee, and Phil White of Kingdom Games and his volunteers who made this such a memorable event. The common thread in talking with swimmers post swim was, “I can’t wait to return to the North East Kingdom.” Congratulations to all those who swam, and enjoyed all that Open Water Swimming has to offer - good natured swimmers, beautiful scenery, and the camaraderie of enjoying the outdoors together, whether it be for competition or recreation. Top results can be found below, and full results are posted here. Additionally, registration is already open for 2017!

Border Buster - 15.9 Mile

Swimmers crossed the border into Canada and swam back to the USA. The overall course winner was Charlotte Brynn, 50, of Stowe, VT in 7 hours, 55 minutes, 46 seconds. Bill Shipp, 56, of Mitchellville, MD was second in a time of 8 hours, 18 minutes, 47 seconds. Ned Denison, 58, was third, finishing in 8 hours, 48 minutes, and 31 seconds.

NEW ENGLAND Female FINISHERS - SKIN

On the women's side, New England swimmers were a force, with 6 swimmers competing:

1.        7:55.46           Charlotte Brynn        50       Stowe VT

5.        9:19:06           Kellie Latimer            30       Norwood, MA

6.        9:21:10           Daniela Klaz               24       Jamaica Plain, MA

7.        9:21:10           Hillary Rodriguez       28       Jamaica Plain, MA

9.        9:45:06           Julie Burnett               50       Stoneham, MA

10.       10:36:54       Paula Yankauskas         61       Hyde Park, VT

 

NEW ENGLAND Male FINISHERS - SKIN

3.        9:03:10         Patrick McDermot       51       Salem, NH

4.        10:04:18       William Larkins           22       Freeport, ME

5.        10:42:19       Ian Grimmer                47       Middlebury, VT

 

10 Mile Non Championship – WetSuit

FEMALE

  1.        4:57:48       Gabi Redford        49       Annapolis, MD
  2.        5:08:33       Elaine Scholtz       54       Campton, NH

MALE

  1.        5:07:35       Herve Hamon          54       Norwalk, CT
  2.        6:01:31       Thomas Whalen       50       St. Louis, MO

 

6.2 Mile (10 km) - Skin

Female

  1.        2:32:25       Jen Olsen                 45       Millis, MA
  2.        2:36:22       Alana Aubin             26       Watertown, MA
  3.        2:54:16       Katharine Owen       37       Arlington, MA

Male

  1.        2:14:39       Eric Nilsson                   29       Weston, MA
  2.        2:30:03       Mark Loftis                    56       New York, NY
  3.        2:31:25       Christopher Cowley       24       Brookline, MA

 

6.2 Mile (10 km) - Wetsuit

Female

  1.        3:08:47       Melissa Ossanna          47       Bar Harbor, ME
  2.        3:34:30       Tamara Takoudes        46        Needham, MA
  3.        3:48:17       Maria Beconi              53        Bedford, MA 

Male

  1.        3:06:02       Michael McGurk       56       Sudbury, MA 

 

3.1 MILE (5 km) - SKIN

Female

  1.       1:17:45       Merin Troutman       42       Mystic, CT
  2.       1:30:13       Emily Boerger           21       Kingston, MA
  3.       1:31:50       Hilary Sullivan          35       Roslindale, MA

Male

  1.        1:33:05       Lawton Harper        49       Center Conway, NH
  2.        1:34:36       David Bentley         48       Winchester, MA
  3.        1:39:36       George Boerger       55       Kingston, NY

 

3.1 Mile (5 km) - Wetsuit

Female

  1.        1:17:34       Laura Delorey          53       Westminster, MA
  2.        1:34:46       Francine Amyot       52       St-Romuald, QC
  3.        1:38:34       Kay Thomas            49       Duxbury, MA

Male

  1.        1:18:52       Bruce Mohl        70       Bonita Springs, FL 

 

1 Mile - Skin

Female

  1.        0:23:54       Renee Reiser         49       Annapolis, MD
  2.        0:26:45       Julie Wolf              31       Hoboken, NJ
  3.        0:31:59       Jennifer Olaru       45       Dorset, VT

Male

  1.        0:23:38       Andrew Grannell       69       Annapolis, MD
  2.        0:27:01       Andre Cote                55       Lévis, QC
  3.        0:27:17       Matthew Marcy         48       Bluemont, VA

,

USMS 10-mile Open Water National Championship Recap

,

Contributed by Charlotte Brynn, NE-LMSC Open Water Chair

Results      Photos              

LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG, NEWPORT, VERMONT - Excellent conditions, top times, and tight finishes sums up a great day of racing in Newport, Vermont on July 30. To follow are the USMS Open Water Championship results in full, as well as New England highlights.

The start of the 2016 USMS Open Water 10-mile National Championship

The start of the 2016 USMS Open Water 10-mile National Championship

USMS OWN Ultra Marathon - 10 Mile

Overall Male

  1. 4:10:03                     James Biles                          55                    Cedarburg, WI
  2. 4:10:40                     Stephen Rouch                    36                    Indianapolis, IN 
  3. 4:22:32                     Guy Davis                           57                    North Hampton, NH

 

New England Age Group Highlights - Male

In the 35 - 39 age group, Anuj Sampat of Waltham, MA, grabbed third in 6:22:02.

Christopher Graefe of Jamaica Plain, MA won the 40-44 age group with a time of 4:24:14, narrowly missing the overall podium. He was followed by Willy Blumentals of Sudbury, MA, in 6:46:35.

In the 45-49 age group, John Langton of Lynnfield, MA placed second, in a time of 4:52.01. Talbot Crowell from Lexington, MA was fifth in 6:15:22.

New Englander Elaine Howley provides kayak support during the 10 mile race

New Englander Elaine Howley provides kayak support during the 10 mile race

The 55-59 age group was the most competitive division, with James Biles winning the National Championship in a time of 4:10.03. He was also the overall 10 mile event winner. Hot on his heels was Guy Davis of Great Bay Masters, from North Hampton, NH, throwing down a strong swim to take second place in a time of 4:22.32, and the 3rd fastest time on the 10 mile course. Frederick Hirsch of Hull, MA, and Gregory Gomez of Newtonville, MA, finished 5th and 6th, respectively.

A strong New England presence was felt in the 60-64 age group, with Westley Richards of Windham, MA taking 2nd place in a time of 5:35.72, and Brian Mc Laughlin of Nashua, NH taking 3rd place in a time of 5:38.13. Brian is also a leading Go The Distance Swimmer.

Overall Female

  1. 4:25:32                     Laurie Hug                                 51                     Ambler, PA
  2. 4:26:17                     Nancy Steadman Martin             62                     Oceanport, NJ
  3. 4:29:08                     Shirley Loftus-Charley                64                     Afton, VA

 

New England Age Group Highlights - Female

Jenny Wolf of Concord, MA was third in the 30-34 age group, finishing in 5:16:50.

In the 35-39 age group, Mina Elnaccash of Somerville, MA was sixth in 7:01:33.

In the 45-49 year age group, Theresa Peck of Plymouth, NH placed third in a time of 5:57.48.

In the 50-54 year age group, Martha Wood of Manchester, NH, finished second in a time of 4:45.11, and Sheryl Scott of Pelham, MA took third in a time of 5:23.32.

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 2016 10+ mile OWN. It was terrific to see so many NE-LMSC swimmers challenge themselves to this National Open Water event.

,

MBCC Against the Tide Hopkinton Recap & Cape Cod Precap

,

Contributed by Ruth Anam

This past Saturday, June 18, marked the 24th anniversary for Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s (MBCC) Statewide Annual Against the Tide Swim, Kayak, Walk, Run, and/or Aquathon fundraising event at the beautiful DCR’s Hopkinton State Park. Hundreds of participants, including dozens of swimmers, joined the effort to raise over $86,000 (and still counting) towards MBCC’s unique goal of breast cancer prevention. Awards and prizes were handed out throughout the morning to the top fundraisers and fastest competitive athletes. 

If you were unable to take part in the event festivities this time, MBCC will be holding another morning-only, family-friendly Against the Tide event on the Cape. The 17th Statewide Annual Swim, Kayak, Walk, Run, and/or Aquathon event will take place on Saturday, August 20 at DCR’s Nickerson State Park (Flax Pond in Brewster, MA). Participants will enjoy swimming in the pristine waters at Flax Pond and can take pride in participating in one of the America's Top 50 Open Water Swims. Against the Tide consists of the following swim components: a 1-mile competitive swim beginning at 8:30 AM and a 1-mile recreational swim beginning at 9:45 AM. There is also an Aquathon option starting at 8:30 AM for individuals to take part in the competitive swim and dash straight into the USATF-certified 5K or 10K run. There will be an Aquathon Transition Tent to hold participants’ belongings. 

There really is no reason to miss out on the August 20th Against the Tide event: registration is $40 per event activity for adults and $25 per event activity for students, with all proceeds going towards MBCC’s unique prevention work. Bring a friend, family member, or a colleague! All walk-in registrations are welcome after online registration closes at noon on Friday, August 19. Additionally, the MBCC is in need of angel swimmers for the August 20 event. Please contact Ruth Anam if you are interested in this volunteer role. To register for Against the Tide and for more information, please visit www.mbcc.org/swim and/or call 1-800-649-6222.

 
,

Eighth Annual Charles River One Mile Swim Recap

,

Contributed by Kate Radville, Race Director

Competitors at the start of the Eighth Annual Charles River One Mile Swim

On June 11th, 2016, the Charles River Swimming Club hosted its Eighth One Mile Swim in the Charles River Basin. The race, which took place on a single loop course between the Massachusetts Avenue and Longfellow bridges, was the largest in the club’s ten-year history.

This year's race drew a record number of swimmers to the river. The introduction of electronic, chip timing allowed for real-time results and an expanded field of 144 athletes. Conditions, including bright sun and flat water, were ideal for an open water competition. For the second year in a row, the top finisher was a woman. Alana Aubin (26) of Watertown, Massachusetts narrowly edged out Frank Wuest (56), of Boston, Massachusetts to earn her victory. Overall and age group winners earned gift certificates for a day of canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding with Charles River Canoe and Kayak, one of the club’s generous sponsors, as well as "I Swam the Charles" pint glasses. 

The Charles River Swimming Club is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 with the dual purpose of organizing competitive swimming events in the river and facilitating the return of public river swimming. After a long history of pollution, the Charles has benefited tremendously from the Clean Charles River Initiative, which began in 1995. It is now clean enough for swimming on most summer days, and the annual swim race is organized in part to raise awareness of this fact. 

Overall winner Alana Aubin receives her prizes from race director Kate Radville

Overall winner Alana Aubin receives her prizes from race director Kate Radville

If you are interested in getting involved with the club as a volunteer or participating in upcoming events, please visit the club’s website at www.charlesriverswimmingclub.org. The club is run strictly by volunteers and would like to extend its gratitude to the swimmers and volunteers who made this year’s event such a huge success.

,

Theroux Completes 40-Mile Circumnavigation of Aquidneck Island

,

On September 26, Trent Theroux swam 40 miles around Aquidneck Island, home to Newport, Rhode Island, to raise money for RISE Above Paralysis - a non-profit focused on assisting families of people who have experienced spinal injuries.

Trent faced six-foot swells and headwinds during his roughly 18-hour swim, but he powered through and came ashore with a smile. 

Check out a video of Trent's finish at Bowen's Wharf here. Follow more of Trent's swim via the real time updates posted to NE-LMSC and SwimRI's Facebook pages. Congratulations Trent!!


Press Coverage

Providence Journal Pre-Swim Feature

Providence Journal Post-Swim Feature

,

4th Annual Boston Sharkfest Draws Large NE-LMSC Contingent

,

Results

Congratulations to all who participated in the Boston Sharkfest earlier this month. Nearly 500 swimmers covered the one-mile distance across Boston Harbor from east Boston into the Seaport on calm waters under sunny skies. Members of the NE-LMSC made a great showing, taking age group honors in almost every age group in both the wet suit and non-wet suit categories. 

A special shout out to CMSC member Franny Cohen who celebrated her 60th birthday by swimming Sharkfest - her first open water race! - and taking silver in her age group.

,

Lin Completes Nantasket - Nahant - Nantasket Solo Swim

,

Helen Lin continues to prove she has no limit when it comes to navigating the open water. Earlier this month, Helen became the first person to make the 18-mile round trip swim from Nantasket Beach in Hull to Northeastern University's Marine Center in Nahant. Helen took a whopping 10-minute break in Nahant before heading back to Nantasket.

Read the Patriot Ledger's coverage of Helen's swim (along with video) here and enjoy the video from her crew here. 

Congratulations Helen! 

,

Howley Completes Solo Crossing of Loch Ness, One Swim Closer to her "Monster Triple"

,

Elaine Howley finished a solo crossing of Loch Ness late last month. She covered the  22.2-mile length in 13 hrs 21 minutes, making her the third American to swim the length of the loch. We believe that fewer than 15 people worldwide have completed the swim. Water ranged from 51 to about 57 degrees over the course of the swim. "That was a tough swim but great fun," said Howley. 

Elaine's sense of humor never died over 22 miles of cold water ... check out this video of her last feed. The water was so cold that her mouth was frozen, but that's no reason not to tell a good joke! 

Completing the Loch Ness swim puts Elaine just one swim away from the Monster Triple Crown (solo lengths of Loch Ness, Lake Memphremagog, and Lake Tahoe). She plans to swim Lake Tahoe next spring to cross the Monster Triple Crown off of her bucket list.

Media: WOWSA piece

,

Penny Palfrey Wins 2015 Boston Light Swim

,

Results

Legendary open water swimmer - 53-year-old Penny Palfrey of Seventeen-Seventy, Queensland, Australia - handily won the 8-mile Boston Light Swim across Boston Harbor on August 15th with a time of 2:56:48. Palfrey maintained an amazing 85 strokes-per-minute pace throughout the eight-mile course.

Finishing second overall, and winning the men's competition, was 63-year-old James Clifford of Poolesville, MD, the oldest male competitor in the race. Clifford finished in 3:08:22, edging out third place finisher Jennifer Olsen, 44, of Natick, MA, who finished in 3:11:28.

The Boston Light Swim is the oldest open water marathon swim in the U.S. and has been a local tradition since 1907. Participants begin in the water at America's first lighthouse, the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island in the outer Harbor. The course continues past George's Island and Rainsford Island, then along Long Island (and past where the Long Island Bridge used to stand), and around Thompson's Island. Swimmers come ashore at the historic L Street Bathhouse in South Boston, home of the world famous L Street Brownies and the L Street Ice Swimmers.