Max Has A Go - The Dover Regatta 2km Sea Swim

When Max asked locally about the Dover Regatta 2km Sea Swim Race, the organisers informed him that the event was closed and no more swimmers were going on the race list. Its who you know that matters and after much talking with swimmers, coaches and the organiser's parents... Max was finally allowed to swim!

The race day was Sunday 3rd August 2008 - commencing at 2.30pm.

The morning was free, so we went to Dover Harbour and did a light training session, and chatted with the Channel swimmers, many of whom we had met before. We bought lunch from one of the many Regatta stalls and then headed over to the Dover Life Guard Club Head Quarters for the briefing at 2.00pm.

After much controversy over what costumes were allowed .... 'leggings', 'all in one' 'this or that', it was decided you could wear what you liked. Max was happy - he likes his 'short' speedos! All swimmers must wear the yellow cap provided with their number on it. Max's race number is 12.

Max waiting patiently with other entrants -he's the one in the yellow cap smiling!

The entrants lined up on the beach and the organiser, Lee Wakeham, called out each swimmers name in numerical order to swim out to the yellow buoys. I could see Max squeezed in amongst 63 other entrants, not much room between those 2 yellow buoys!

Swimming to yellow buoys at start of event

The starter in a speed boat raised the yellow flag, and BANG! They were off. Arms and legs going in all directions...spectacular to say the least. Its quite rough in the harbour, I hope Max is not being 'bashed' around too much.

Max came around the finishing buoy, sprinted to the end, ran up the beach and crossed the finishing line in 57th position-time 39.44. Well done Max. He enjoyed the fun and challenge.
That evening we enjoyed a light meal and ice cream on Dover Beach then stayed on to watch the wonderful fireworks.

Max completing swim - well done