SWIM TIME!
WICKLOW Swimming Club held the 19th Wicklow Open as part of the Regatta programme with 229 visiting swimmers taking part from clubs located throughout Leinster.
The 1.6k race saw swimmers navigate out into Wicklow Bay, along a course of marker buoys, and finish in harbour where the now-famous Wicklow Swimming Club ‘ hospitality’ was in full flow, offering food and refreshments to relieve weary muscles.
Conditions on the day were overcast, but warm and with very calm water,
Two perpetual trophies were up for grabs, one for the gents’ and one for the ladies’ races, with Cameron McKeever, Wicklow Swimming Club and Rachel Lee, Guinness Swimming Club, taking the top spots,
Meanwhile, the rest of the Wicklow Regatta presented plenty of spills and thrills as well. Aoife and Conor Marah and Zach Hollingsworth won the Kids Fancy Dress Competition, and Regatta Rose Chloe Shannon did the rounds as she attended the majority of events.
A vintage car show organised by the Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club took place at the Murrough car park, while local bands also got the chance to perform live at a gig rig set up in Leitrim Place.
Sunday night drew to a close with a colourful fireworks display, while the Wicklow Rowing Club Regatta started at the new pier and featured competing crews from Skerries, Dalkey, Bray, Greystones, Arklow, St Patrick’s, Stella Maris and St Michael’s. Skiff racing has always been a cornerstone of the Regatta.