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Saturday, August 7, 2010
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 Boat owners can enjoy a day on the Sound, while also supporting a worthwhile cause – helping people with cancer. St. Vincent’s 23rd Annual SWIM Across the Sound Marathon will take place this year on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.
The annual fundraiser involves more than 200 swimmers making the 26 kilometer (15.5 mile) trek from West Beach in Port Jefferson, Long Island to Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport, CT for pledges. The swimmers raised $350,000 last year – all of which is used to help the SWIM Across the Sound provide 40 different cancer screening, education and support programs right here in our community as well as provide financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in need.
Approximately 125 boats – all manned by volunteers – will take part in the SWIM marathon. About 75 of them will serve as escort boats, the rest as guide and medic boats. Escort boats will be paired with a team, two-person relay or a solo swimmer and will be responsible for their safety as well as the safety of the crew on board, which includes an EMT. Guide boats will maintain the perimeter of the race course and act as a protective shield around the swimmers. It takes great boating skill to allow one swimmer to jump into the water and/or pick up another climbing back on board. Individual swimmers on relay teams tend to do 20 to 30 minute runs, while solo swimmers will be in the water for the entire distance.
Boat Captain William Szturma of Stratford has participated for four years. "The SWIM is a wonderful tribute to the energy and strength of the human spirit. To be able to swim over 15 miles is an incredible achievement, and I am in awe of the swimmers. All those who participate - boat captain's, crew and swimmers - do so to help the cause against cancer and this event inspires a camaraderie that is very special,” Szturma said.
While it’s the fearless swimmers who spend months fundraising and training for this event, the success of the SWIM Marathon also depends upon the generosity of our local boat owners to escort the swimmers and ensure their safety. Power and sail boats 22 feet and up in length are needed as escorts for solo swimmers, two-person relays and team relays, guides & safety backup and to carry personnel and paramedics. Boats 18’ and up can serve as guides and safety back-up.
All registered boat captains are required to attend a dinner meeting Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Assignments will be made as soon as possible.
Slips will be available at Dansford Marina in Port Jefferson, New York beginning at Noon on Friday, August 6, 2010 - BY REQUEST.
Register to be a Boat Captain >>
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