The 2017 Tilbury Classic was hosted by the Nowra-Culburra SLSC on April 15. Unfortunately the closure of main beach due to the large easterly swell resulted in the swim being moved to the northern side of Penguin Headland.
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A total of 109 competitors set out from Ocean St Beach at 10am to swim a 2km circular course passing through Tilbury Cove towards Crookhaven Heads and returning to Ocean St. With protection from the waves, the weather conditions were very good with the water temperature a mild 21 degrees. The final leg of the 2km course was a test for every swimmer’s' endurance.
The winner, Sam Thorley in the 16-19 age category, completed the course in 27 minutes, closely followed by brother Bill in the 13-15 age category. An epic swim saw the brothers separated only by the sprint finish up the beach. First female across the line was Kate Dryden in the 16-19 age category in a time of 30 minutes, an inspirational effort. Full results are available on the Tilbury Classic facebook page.
A very special mention to our local Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club swimmers, Steve Richardson (37 mins), Zoe Anderson (38 mins) and Holly Abbey (39 mins). Local lifesaving stalwart Steve Richardson returned to the event this year and said: “It was a little disappointing that we did not get to swim around the headland today but it was still quite a challenging swim. The conditions were ideal and I am already looking forward to next year.”
The event can only be held with the support of the Nowra-Culburra SLSC volunteers. All of the competitors were very appreciative of the professional water safety and feel-good atmosphere of the day. The success of the event is totally due to our dedicated members.
