Isle of Wight 12th Masters Open Meet

Sunshine welcomed over 90 adult swimmers to the Heights Leisure Centre for the Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club’s 12th Masters Swimming Open Meet.

Once again and for the 11th year in succession, an addition was made to the Masters record books when Duncan McCreadie, Maidenhead SC, broke the British 65-69 years 800 metres freestyle record by 7 seconds.

Representing 23 clubs from the Island, the mainland, Germany, Wales and Guernsey, the swimmers competed over two days, Friday and Saturday, in 38 events.20 competitors were from three Island clubs: Isle of Wight Marlins, West Wight and Isle of Wight Swim Team.

Though depleted in numbers slightly by the various seasonal viruses, swimmers were able to enjoy the sunshine between sessions with walks along the beach. Some, from Birmingham, have even remarked that the annual competition is for them, “like going abroad”. Many return year after year, as do some of the senior officials who assist our Isle of Wight team, without whose input the event could not be staged.

Lead referee was Bob Cooper, Middlesex ASA, assisted by David Carter, Bedfordshire ASA and David Greenaway, Hampshire ASA. Making this her last event as a longstanding, very experienced swimming official, was Sue Davenport, also from Hampshire, who will be very much missed when she retires.

The overall trophy, the Heights Cup for club with most points was won by Basingstoke Blue Fins with 198. Runners up were Ruislip and Northwood with 182 and third were West Wight with 141. Isle of Wight Marlins were fifth with 74 points, close behind Otter Swimming Club from London with 85.

Individual trophies were won by: Rosie Gard, West Wight, most points in the Senior 18-24 years age group and Robert Shaw, Royal Navy, Senior male.

Top Lady in the open 25- 95+ year age groups was Zoe Sadler, Basingstoke Blue Fins and Top Male swimmer, Stan Vela from Ruislip and Northwood.

The most competitive age groups were the 70-74 years men and 45-49 years ladies.

There were some very close races, especially in the ladies 50 metres breaststroke where West Wight’s Emily Orchard 19, just lost out to Catherine Dobson, Otter, ten years her senior. In the 50m butterfly, four swimmers including Emily, finished within half a second of each other.

Again in 50m backstroke, Island Marlin Lindsey Shenton 51, was second in a nail biting final on 40.56. Overall winner of that event was Fiona Seymour 42, Marlins, who beat all those younger than herself to finish in 35.36 seconds.

The Marlins Ladies 160 years+ relay team of Fiona Seymour, Lindsey Shenton, Ruth Carroll and Kim Holmes won the freestyle event in a close finish 2.17.13 by one second from Basingstoke.

Completing the Marlins team were Barney Miller 80, and veteran of the Sandown to Shanklin sea swims, Joan Kidd 82, Jenny Ball 71 and Kirsty Saxton 30. Three other club members were unable to swim due to illness.

This meet, one of the smaller ones in the Masters’ calendar, is apparently one of the most enjoyable for many who say they appreciate the unhurried, friendly atmosphere which is enhanced by the location of the pleasant Heights venue and helpfulness of their staff.

Here are the results in downloadable pdf format.

Meet Results
Club Placings
Individual Swimmers Points
Trophy Winners