Volunteers on the Water
Safety was carefully managed at one of the RBYC Iceberrger’s annual events on Sunday. It was impressive to see so many participants donning the old fashioned costumes to swim a variety of distances in the traditional Olsen Hooper swim.. The sea was a warm (for Icebergers) but there was a fair bit of chop making for challenging conditions outside the breakwater.
Volunteers in kayaks and a rhib were essential providing safety on the course. Co-ordinated by Jenny Vran, Foxy (Terry Fox) kept watch inside the pond while Jenny followed the swimmers outside the pier. Murray Cowdell drove one of the clubs rhibs with me on board keeping an eye out for anyone needing assistance. Everyone completed the course they’d chosen and enjoyed coffee and egg and bacon rolls and coffee. It was a fun event to be involved with and a reminder of how volunteers contribute to our club in a variety of ways.
Here is Brooksy’s highly entertaining wrap of the event.
Cath Hurley
Rear Commodore
Wrap of the Event by Ross MacDowell
In 21 degree water lacerated by a stiff westerly, 26 Icebergers raced an Olsen Hooper ‘around the rocks, yellow pole’ course, 19 Icebergers swam the “Channel Dash’ while many swam various bespoke courses.
Congratulations to Ken Foss who won the 2024 Olsen Hooper in 31:16 beating out Vin and Nick Desira.
It was a property industry trifecta for The Channel Dash. Victory went to ‘Big Tone’ Ryan in a time of 25:58 (he sells’em), beating out Peter Madisson (he designs’em) and Bernie McN (he plans & develops’em)
The Pier Duck Award went to Mr Gray, who road tested the longer Olsen Hooper Course defying the Headmaster’s specific instructions that this wasn’t the occasion for any course length road testing. Wonderful display of Iceberger belligerence.
Thanks again to the yachty for the fantastic egg and bacon rolls, Vice Commodore Cath & Murray for rib’ing around the course, Jenny & Fox for paddling, Janie & Nat for scribbling, Johnny Olsen for the history lesson, Robert Robertson combining with Duncan the owner of Funky Trunks, who for the 20th successive year, had intelligent grown men dress up in women’s one piece bathing suits…willingly, Ingilby for donating 2 new rescue boards and all the ‘Bergers who raced and made our annual event so special.
Official photographer John Scanlon will email the 2024 Iceberger group photo once he has finished photoshopping out beer belly’s and crows feet.
Your loyal Iceberg servant
Ross MacD
Headmaster
Images Terry Fox and Jenny Vran, Jenny kayaking outside the breakwater
