The Poverty Bay Swim

Six fit young swimmers dived from the tug Hikurangi, moored off Young Nicks Head early on Boxing Day, and stroked strongly for distant Waikanae Beach, five-and-a-half miles away.

Less than three-and-a-half hours later, the first was stepping ashore, to the acclaim of a large crowd of spectators. He was followed in quick succession by four others all landing within 17 minutes of each other, although they had covered varying distances in their efforts to take advantage of tidal currents.

Conditions could not have been better, the expected wind not eventuating, leaving the ocean surface calm and smooth.

First man ashore was 19-year-old Ian Watt, a prominent breaststroker in Gisborne swimming circles, who used this stroke for most of the distance. He was closely followed by Glen Sutton, a 15-year-old Waikanae Surf Club junior. Both these competitors finished within the time set by Don Butchart, of Wanganui: last year's winner.

They were followed by Robert Kerr, Burns Scandrett, and Eddy Brown, of Napier.

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Clifton Blumfield dives from the Hikurangi while other swimmers in water commence race. Young Nicks Head is in the background.

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Ian Watt breast-stroking across the bay

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Alone in a silver sea, Ian Watt, escorted by his handler, brother Jock Watt, moves steadily across the bay.