The Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series’ first event of 2018 is the “Interislander Capital Classic” took place on Sunday January 28th, down in the capital city of Wellington NZ, where the swimmers were treated to a stunner of a race day!

The race took place on the beautiful beach of Oriental Bay, located right next to the spectacular Lambton harbor. The open water swimming in Wellington can be a little intimidating but this race does an amazing job of providing a well experienced and resourced crew for all the swimmers. The support system that has been set in place for this swim is extremely encouraging and experienced so first time swimmers can enjoy their new and exciting exposure to open water swimming in Wellington to the fullest.

Just under 1000 swimmers took to the water across the four distance events during the day – with the 3.3km ‘I’m Going Long’ first up, kicking off from Frank Kitts Park just after 9am. The unusually flat Wellington Harbour made for some quick swim times, with Nelson local Luke Kelly the first swimmer home in 39 mins 37 secs, and in the women’s race Sammi Harnett enjoyed her second win of the Series, finishing in 42 mins, 23 secs.

Next were the 1km and 500m events which saw TV3 News Presenter – Mike McRoberts and Wellington City Mayor – Justin Lester join in the fun, with the ‘Banana Boat OceanKids’ 200m rounding off the day with a great turnout of youngsters.

Next up for the Series is their freshwater swim, taking place in Rotorua’s beautiful Blue Lake on February the 18th with the “Donelley Sawmillers Legends of the Lake“!  See you there!

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