Of the total of 720 entered, 625 eventually completed the 3.3km swim from Russell to Paihia in the second leg of the State Ocean Swim Series on Saturday.
Event director Scott Rice noted some simply couldn't turn up "for whatever reason" but a number had to be shoulder-tapped during their race and informed they had run out of time. He noted this was always a heartbreaking decision to make and while most swimmers were philosophical, "Some were bitterly disappointed."
Meanwhile, Rice said there was never any doubt the event would be going ahead despite a weather forecast which saw the organisers of two major events further north get cold feet and cancel their events, being the Kaitaia Christmas Parade and an athletics ribbon day; prematurely as it turned out. Saturday saw a breeze kick in but it was otherwise balmy and rain-free.
The morning at Russell as the swimmers gathered for the I'm Going Long main event swim of 3.3km brought misty conditions which the sun largely burnt off by the start time of 8.30am. No cold feet for these swimmers, the water temperature on the east coast was a comfortable 22 degrees, ensuring the Bay of Islands Classic retained its reputation as the warmest leg of the national series, noted Rice laughing; even compared with the King of the Bays in North Harbour in April.
"Well, we are in the Winterless North," he reminded Age readers.
