70th Pier2Pier swim event returns to Isle of Wight seaside

Hosted by the IW Marlins Masters Swim Club, the 70th event, on Saturday July 20, saw participants go from Sandown Pier to the site of the old Shanklin Pier. 

At noon, 157 swimmers, with over 50 from the Island, entered the water and swam across the 1.8miles of the Bay.

The fastest male swimmer was Benjamin van De Helstraete (Seaclose S.C) in 32.5 minutes, while the fastest female was Kitty Craig in 35.08 minutes.

In the 15 to 17 year juniors was Harry Shepherd (33.55) and Isobel Muncaster (34.15), both of Seaclose S.C.

Swimmers on Sandown beach (Image: Pier2Pier swim)

Zac Lacey handing out awards (Image: Pier2Pier swim)

In the category, Benjamin was the fastest Island male and Abigail Lacey (Seaclose S.C) the fastest Island woman in 37.21.

The last swimmer in was the 86-year-old, Jenny Ball (Ryde S.C.), in 1.03.27.

There was a large crowd to see the start and the finish, where they were entertained by FatSamba as the swimmers came in.

The trophies were presented by the Island's European and British 200m Butterfly Down Syndrome swimming Champion, Zac Lacey. 

The 71st swim will take place on the August 9, 2025.