Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been removed from the 2022 calendar.

5/ 3/ 1 MILES, SENIOR/JUNIORS/OPEN

EVENT DETAILS

OVERVIEW

We are recreating one of our toughest swims on the calendar, The BLDSA Classic Champion of Champions 9 mile challenge. Each competitor will swim the three events (Non-wetsuit only), with an interval between each swim. The challenge is getting warm, refuelled and then getting ready to get back in the cold water for the next event.

The open event is available to any swimmer including non traditional costumes and wetsuits.

THE EVENT

The senior Champion of Champions events will consist of three swims –5 miles, 3 miles and then 1 mile- 10 laps, 6 laps and 2 laps of a designated course. Each lap will be 1/2 mile – the course being set using GPS. All competitors shall enter all 3 events.

To complete the full Champion of Champions event, competitors must complete all three swims and the Championship placings will be decided on the basis of the lowest aggregate times.

In order for competitors to complete the full Champion of Champions event, they must complete each individual event before the designated time for the start of the next element

We recommend swimmers bring food and drink to refuel, suitable warm, dry clothing to wear between events, and bring a support buddy to look after you and cheer you on.

AGE CATEGORIES

Seniors & Juniors

• Open to BLDSA members and Non Members. Wetsuits and non traditional costumes are allowed.
• All three events = £90 Seniors, £20 Juniors – Non members pay event fee plus £50
• Juniors MUST have a Parent or Guardian present AT ALL TIMES during the events.

REGISTRATION

Report to the Event Swim Secretary upon arrival. The registration point will be signposted at Holyhead sailing club from 8am.

BRIEFING

Please Note, attendance of the briefing is mandatory – failure to attend this will void your entry. This will be held at Holyhead Sailing Club
5mile swim @ 8.45am
3mile swim @ 1:15pm
1mile swim @ 4:15pm

START

5 mile swim – 9:15am
3 mile swim – 1:30pm
1 mile swim – 4:30pm

(Note that times will be subject to change)

COURSE

A  ½ mile course will be clearly marked out in the harbour off Newry beach. Swimmers must swim around the outside  of each of the buoys on each circuit as detailed in the swim briefing . Every time a swimmer completes a lap, they must clearly give their swim number to the lap Recorders. The start, finish and position of the lap recorders will be outlined at the briefing.

 TIME LIMITS
5 mile swim – 4 hours, 3 mile swim – 2 1/2 hours, 1 mile swim – 50 mins (The slowest finisher easily completed within these time frames in recent years)

NON UK RESIDENTS

Non UK Residents must provide evidence of membership of their governing body or individual insurance for Open Water Swimming.

LOCATION

Holyhead Sailing Club/ Newry Beach, Holyhead

SAFETY COVER

The 2 BLDSA fast rescue boats will be in attendance at the event and will be supported by support kayakers and other support vessels dispersed around the course. We will have designated first aid support available throughout the event.

PRESENTATIONS

The presentation will take place at Holyhead Sailing Club .

Trophies will be awarded to the winner of the Ladies and Gents Champion of Champions event. Certificates will be awarded to all swimmers completing the full Champion of Champions event.

Certificates will also be presented to all competitors finishing individual races.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Championship will be held in Holyhead, on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. We are bringing the popular Champion of Champions event format to Wales. Many swimmers over the years have taken on this challenge in locations in The South and North of the UK to help prepare for channel solo and relay swims. By locating the swim in Holyhead we can hopefully  some local swimmers from Wales and swimmers from over the sea but in easy reach on The Isle of Man and Ireland to take on the event too.

ACCOMMODATION

Holyhead itself has a selection of B &B’s and hotels, including a Travelodge and there are also plenty of accommodation options within driving distance in the popular tourist locations of Treaddur Bay (10 min drive) & Rhosneigr (approx. 20 min drive)

There are also plenty of Campsites around Holyhead.

ORGANIZER

Liane Llewellyn Hickling

liane.llewellyn@btinternet.com