Historic sea swim returns to Whitby Regatta
It's back after 34 years
An historic sea swim is set to return to Whitby Regatta today after 34 years.
Around 30 swimmers are taking part in the two-mile route from Sandsend to Whitby and another 30 have entered the new “Beach Hut Swim”, a 1000m race that will take place at the same time in Whitby.
Organisers Ceri Oakes and Ally Brisby decided to re-establish the race after researching the history of swimming events in the town’s regatta dating back as far as 1911.
Ceri said: "With the support of the regatta committee we have been able to bring the event back to life, we even have the original trophy which is well over 100 years old to present the winner.
"We can’t thank everyone enough who has given their time, shared their knowledge to help us get this off the ground, not to mention the generous sponsors who have helped make it an event to remember."
The two mile race takes place just after the Red Arrows display at 1.30pm at Sandsend, with swimmers entering the water from the beach and heading along the shore to Whitby. The old rowing lifeboat, William Riley will be at sea alongside the race as well as numerous safety volunteers.
Organisers say sea swimming has soared in popularity in the last few years and many of the entrants are from Whitby Wild Swimmers group, but it has also attracted swimmers from further afield who enjoy competing.
Ally added: "Whether it’s a personal challenge to take part or they are going for a podium finish every single swimmer is helping make history. They should be proud of all the hard work they have put in for training and we can’t wait to see their faces when they cross the finish line at Whitby."