Solo swim from North Island to South Island in choppy conditions

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!)

James Norton, the usual sponsor of this race, was still in Finland so Jon Benton jumped one week forward to present the prizes.

An oppotunity to celebrate the ever popular and sadly missed Gordon Brodie, who died in 2019, and Deirdre Ward, our current club captain and Irish marathon swimming legend.

This was the first leg of the four race Emmi Hunte series -  February 50m (55 yards), March 100m (110 yards), August 800m (880 yards) and October 91m (100 yards).

Kazia Studd was declared our Serpentine Wendy for 2026.

Water 6.5; air 10c.  Stilll a tad nippy.

The Club Championship is decided over a series of five races during winter, spring and early summer over varying distances as the water warms up.  This process identifies not just the fastest of the Serpentine swimmers but also a champion who competes in all weathers and temperatures.

Mike Small is another of the club's great characters from the past.  Mike had a horrific motorcycle accident in his youth which left him with one arm, a withered leg and continuous pain.  Mike viewed this as a hindrance, not a disability.  His wicked sense of humour never left him and is reflected in the shape of the Mike Small cup adapted to his specifications by club silversmith Bill Phipps:  half an arm and a wonky base.

The incessant rain could not dampen competitors' spirits as we remembered Bill Deeley, "biscuit Bill" to his friends at the Serpentine (especially the cannine ones).

An international outcome for the 2025 Peter Pan cup.

American Dave Bill romped home, followed by Canadian James Norton, Irishman John Tierney and Australian Nick Hungerford.  And from Nueva Caledonia, President Laure Latham delivered her speech outlining the history of the race and the Peter Pan connection.

The Kelly clan were out in force to watch Natasha Wake win the Bob Kelly winter series to take home the historic and magnificent Bernard Fettes cup.

It felt relatively mild ...  7.7c in the water, 4c out.