Stunning conditions as Channel Challenge returns

After the heartache of the previous two year’s hiatus, the San Remo Channel Challenge returned on Saturday.

Perfect conditions greeted the competitors, with the community coming out in large numbers to cheer them on.

Organisers breathed a sigh of relief as all their hard work and preparation delivered a brilliant event.

“It took a lot of work prior to the event and on the day we had nearly 100 volunteers helping out,” said committee member Ron Nicholson.

“That included more than 70 Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club members involved on the water and in the race centre, transition area and at the finish line.”

Approximately 500 competitors took part, with around 80 no shows.

“They were presumably caught out with Covid or as close contacts, as that number is usually only around half a dozen,” Ron said.

There were 34 teams competing in the relay category.

Ron said the event ran smoothly and everyone was thrilled to be back at San Remo.

“Our major hiccup mid-week was having three of the timing team go down with Covid or as close contacts but fortunately our key man, Geoff Nield, was able to attend, otherwise the event would have been cancelled at the last minute.

“We got through but without split times for the competitors.”