Masterbathers kick the year off in style

The Port Vila Masterbathers have started 2009 with a bang with two handicap events already held, the BRED Bank sponsored 1km handicap held on 31st January and the Nambawan Cafe 1km handicap held on March 7th.

The handicap format is proving popular with prizes for first second and third on handicap as well as for top placings for male and female categories on corrected time.

At the BRED Bank Handicap, Greg Lee took out first place in 19min 36sec on corrected time with Jack Smith second in 20:06 and Brett Harris third in 20:40 in men's division whilst in the womens division Alexia Poole placed first on corrected time in 20:25, Sharon Smith second in 20:47 and Katie Thompson third in 24:16.

First home at the Nambawan Cafe Handicap was Sarah Carley with Nick Bramley second and Nambawan Cafe proprietor, Ivan Oswald third.

On corrected time Sharon Smith took overall honours in 19:03, pipping Greg Lee by 4 seconds. Jack Smith was second in the mens division in 19:31 and Ivan Oswald third in 20:52.

Second to Sharon in the womens division was Sophie Scott in 23:02 and third was Sarah Carley in 24:21.

The Minorbathers were also in action at the Nambawan Cafe event with 12 kids taking part.

The Port Vila Masterbathers pod swims most weekdays at 11:30am and Saturdays at 8am from just in front of Nambawan Cafe, so if you are visiting Port Vila come and join in. Swims vary in length from 1 to 2 km and cater for all abilities.  

The next event is on Saturday 4th April. Details coming soon.