Solo swim from North Island to South Island in choppy conditions

The cup is swum in memory of a veteran of the Normandy landings, Doug Smith.  A leading figure at the South London Swimming Club who swam with the Serpentine Swimming Club from 1956 until his premature death in 1967.  During his time with us Doug strengthened the already close ties between the two clubs and contributed greatly to the 1964 club centenary book, "Breaking the Ice".

Prizes presented by Rob and Sarah Ouldcott, for one year only.  Holiday commitments meant a race day swap with usual Doug Smith cup sponsor Eric Carter.

In President Laure's absence past President Rob spoke about Doug Smith.  Dame Laura Lee spoke a lot about Sarah, and a little bit about Rob.

Nancy Babarinde powered to victory to take Ron the Con Power cup. 

"Power Cup"?  So named in recognition of Ron's lifelong sport of power lifting.  Ron contunued to compete (and win) into his 80s.  Body building, wrestling and a bit of boxing were also extensively dabbled.

At the finish of the race the participants swam at "Ron speed" for a further 84 metres (or yards if you wish -  no one was checking) in recognition of Ron's 84 years when he died in March 2016.  This is a custom we have followed since the 2016 race, just two months after Ron's death.  What was a spontaneous suggestion by Kevin Blick is now a well established tradition.

Holiday commitments meant a prize giving swap for Rob Ouldcott and Eric Carter.

Perhaps the handicapper's toughest task of the year -  200m (220 yards) breaststroke for the Clary Reed cup.  Anne Mannix stroked to victory, followed by Jamal Saad and Adam Cranfield.

The event remembers Alan Lacy, last of the club's WW2 generation, and Clary Reed, who virtually singlehandedly kept the club going during the war years.  Alan's daughters Sue and Jane, with grand daughters Clara and Flora, were present to cheer on the competitors.

The race celebrates Clare Doyle's long membership of the club, whilst recalling with poignancy the memory of Percy Clears, who joined the club in the 1900s with his three brothers. Percy was killed in action in October 1918 at Harlebeck, Flanders.

Two 200m races.  Eric Cater won the first race and took the trophy by being fastest against his handicap.  Though he did not win the cup, the second race's Tony Schiemann won hearts and minds with the shallowest and hardest of victories -  negotiating his way through the entrance rails to touch first.

Windy Wellington proved not to be a gimme for Sami Robertson in his bid to complete the famous swim between the two main islands of New Zealand.

Forced to stoically play the weather waiting game, swimming 28.8 kilometres in tough conditions, Sami, supported by the wonderful Phil Rush and his team, made his way between the points in nine hours 46 minutes on Tuesday 7 April 2026.  

Prizes of growing herbs were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup awarded to the swimmer who performed best against their repective handicap.  Andrew Fuller of the first race snuck it by four seconds over David Gourgey of the second.

The Sgt. Thomas memorial cup was first presented in April 1942.  Fourteen-year-old schoolboy Tommy Thomas joined the club in 1936.  Early in WW2 he joined the RAF.  He was tragically killed on active service in 1941, aged 19.  The cup also remembers Ted Thomas, Tommy's brother.  Though not a racer, Ted was a long term member and supporter of the club.

Today's winner Luka Melon -  a new name up at the front. 

The Club Championship is swum over a series of five scratch (i.e. non-handicapped) races during winter, spring and summer over varying distances as the water (hopefully) warms up.  This year's fixtures - 

14th February, 50m (55 yards)

7 March, 100m (110 yards)

28 March, 200m (220 yards)

25 April, 400m (440 yards)

6 June, 800m (880 yards)

The Emmi Hunte series is raced between February and October over varying distances -  February 50m (55 yards), March 100m (110 yards), August 800m (880 yards) with the final 91m (100 yard) race held in late October.  Originally the Daily Telegraph series, this was re-dedicated to honour popular veteran Emmi Hunte in 2019.

Saturday's race was over 100m (110 yards) for the Bill and Ron Maggs memorial cup.  This year the cup and prizes were presented by James Norton.  Jon Benton is the usual sponsor, but agreed to swap prize duty with James for the race last week -  James was flyng the Serpentine flag in Oulu, Finland at the Winter Swimming Championships.

Winner of the fine old trophy was Stuart Bowman (editor's note -  nothing fine about Stu!)