15th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay -
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| Photo: Bob Hughes |
It couldn’t have been a more perfect summer day for the 15th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay, as the sun shone brightly and the warm waters of New Bedford’s Outer Harbor remained calm. In its fifteenth year, Swim Buzzards Bay has experienced terrific growth over the past few years – growing from 40 swimmers to 104 this year. Swimmers from ages 13 to 75 took to the waters on July 19 showing their care and concern for Buzzards Bay, their love of open water swimming as well as their support for the Coalition.
This year, swimmers were joined by 46 kayakers who paddled alongside providing guidance and support during the 1.2 mile course from Davy’s Locker in New Bedford to Fort Phoenix Beach in Fairhaven. A wide variety of federal, state and local authorities were also on hand to ensure a safe swim for all.
More than 70 volunteers offered their time, energy and expertise, ensuring that the event ran as smoothly as possible. To date swimmers have raised $37,240 this year (with sponsorships still coming in), which will be used to support the Coalition’s programs in research, conservation, advocacy, and education. By the way - it’s not to late to sponsor your favorite swimmer online or call 508-999-6363 ext. 209 to make your gift today.
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| Gerry & Doreen Payette. Photo: Bob Hughes |
Retaining his title, Joe Hebert of Amherst placed first overall with a time of 22:39. First-time Swim Buzzards Bay swimmer 15-year-old Maria Amell of Marion was the fastest female with a time of 24:20 (and fifth overall). The fastest team of swimmers – Benjamin Nicholas, Brett Pacheco, and Chad and John Littlefield representing "Lakers FLAP” – swam an average time of 25:33 – securing for the second year the Wheeler Cup for the town of Lakeville – the Cup will now be displayed at Apponequet High School in Lakeville until the next Swim.
Joining the Cuttyhunk Club with his 10th Swim Buzzards Bay was Gerry Payette of Acushnet – in an especially touching moment that morning, Gerry, upon receiving his Cuttyhunk Club medal acknowledged the steadfast and 10-year long support of his kayaker – wife, Doreen Payette. Earning their Six-Mile Award for swimming in five Swim Buzzards Bay swims were: Amy Sexsmith of Narragansett, RI, Richard Sterling of Fairhaven, Louis Sardelli of East Greenwich, RI, Erica Sahlin of Dartmouth, Helen Ederer of Vero Beach, FL and Joe Hebert of Amherst.
And while the real challenge was the Swim across the bay, there was much to celebrate at the Finish Line – with activities for children, great food (especially those delicious pancakes from Mike Mello of M&C Café) massages for Swimmers (thanks to Kevin Childs and Linda Richter) and lots of great Coalition for Buzzards Bay stuff (check out our online catalog to find the wide assortment of Save Buzzards Bay merchandise).
Be sure to mark your calendar for the 16th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay on July 11, 2009.
