NEVIS CYCLE & TRIATHLON CLUB

Article featured in the SXM Herald 'Weekender' section

Last Sunday, Nevis, 8:00am sharp! 98 swimmers are ready to cross the channel to St. Kitts; the weather conditions are perfect; it is a bright, sunny day in this former British Caribbean island and the water seems to be calm. Anxiety and concern, but also a lot of excitement are what all participants are experiencing before the start.

The swimmers question each other: Where will we be swimming? Where are the buoys? Have you ever swum this before? the briefing is done; questions are answered; and everybody gives a big applause to the organizers. Swimmer-groups from Antigua, Trinidad, USA and other places get together on the beach for a happy picture. Partners, family members and swim mates give a hand, a word of encouragement

and good-bye/good luck kisses are exchanged; the air echoes the start sounds and swimmers plunge into the water – the race begins!

St. Maarten swimmers talk about their experience

Of the 98 participants, 96 completed the race. the swimmers, who represented St. Maarten, talked to Weekender about their experience.

Randall Attin

Finish time: 1:09:21 Place: 3rd place in male category. “the race was well organised, and easy enough for even the least experienced swimmer. I will definitely go back next year to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I would encourage anyone to come along for the challenge and fun!”

Mike Theiler

Finish time: 1:14:10 “It was a great experience and after the swim from Anguilla to St. Maarten, this seemed like a breeze. It was a great excuse to experience St. Kitts and Nevis because both the islands are wonderful. It is great that they allow people to swim with fins and snorkels, as a lot more people can join in the swim.”

Marianela Radaelli

Finish time: 1:49:05 “I was glad we didn’t see any sharks; we had heard that days before they had caught a big one inthe same waters!”

Norman Wathey

Finish time: 1:49:01 “It was a fantastic event, well organized with a lot of safety aspects. the swim itself was as competitive as it was a fun event. those who did it for fun certainly had a good time. the bottom of the ocean was clear with a lot of sightseeing along the way. We’re

going back next year with a strong St. Maarten contingent.”

You don’t have to be a professional swimmer to be able to participate in the Nevis to St. Kitts cross channel swim, one of the most spectacular open water events in the Caribbean. Next year in March, the challenge will take place again at the gorgeous Oualie Beach in Nevis and the finish will be again at the striking Cockleshell Bay on St. Kitts. the distance is about 2.5miles (4.1km). Start training now!

For more info, go to www.neviscycleclub.com

(Five swimmers represented St. Maarten: Randall Attin, Romain Layour, Norman Wathey, Marianela

Radaelli and Mike Theiler).