Women take top honours in Wharf to Wharf

If the famous Wharf to Wharf event is not historical enough in its own capacity, history was made this year when both major awards went to women.

Organiser Mandy Holmwood says this year's race was as popular as ever, with 116 competitors completing the swim, in the usual six categories.

“It was outstanding, very special,” she said, “there was a lovely spirit about the event this year and I’ve organised quite a few now.”

Even a dog was entered and swam the course with its owner - beating a few competitors.

The Kenny Cup (Officially called the East Harbour Surf Life Saving Club Kenny Cup) has been awarded since 1954 to the first Eastbourne swimmer home. This year it was won by Ella Burton-Wood, with a time of 17m 34s.

Casey Glover holds the official fastest time on record for the Kenny Cup, at 14m 27s. Ray Gough’s name has appeared on the prestigious trophy a record 16 times.

The ex-New Zealand swimmer and Pt. Howard resident was on to hand to present the cup, as he always is, and Mandy says that Ray is also to donate a Rosebowl for future Wharf to Wharf competition.

The fastest time recorded and overall winner was Ruby Heath from Lower Hutt, with a time of 15m 42s.

The first entrant home in the Open Men’s section was ex-Eastbourne resident, Henry Gautrey (0:18:16) with John Toomath (Veteran Men’s, 0:20:29) the first local male to complete the race.

First locals home in other categories of competition were;

Veteran Women’s - Amanda Gibbs (0:21:13)

Open Men’s - Anton Nadilo (0:22:06)

Junior Girls - Marina Nadilo (0:22:10)

Junior Boys - Conor Excell (0:23:10)

The Wharf-to-Wharf swim has been running for over 100 years. The non-competitive friendly swim event, which has become an Eastbourne institution, is run by the Muritai Yacht Club and volunteers.

The course (a distance of approximately 1.25km), begins on Days Bay beach and finishes next to the Rona Bay wharf in Eastbourne. The swim course is 300 metres off the shoreline.