Welcome to all the new swimmers that have been showing up (see photo below from yesterday). The conditions keep getting even better down at Nantasket. No jellies or stingrays to report and yesterday’s water was clear and calm. We expect more of the same this weekend.

This Sat., June 16 starting at 10am (gathering at 9am) there will me a one-mile swim in Dorchester Bay to celebrate Jim Doty, a legendary open water swimmer and founder of the New England Marathon Swimming Association. It’ll start from the L St. Bath House (M St. entrance of the Curley Community Ctr). No cost, but donations to the Mission Haiti (www.sawgrasschurch.org) are accepted. Contact Greg O’Conner for more info at gregoc@rcn.com.

This Sun., June 17, we’ll be meeting at Nantasket at the same time, 7:45 and in the water by 8:00 am. Coffee will hopefully return this week.

And in two weeks on Sun., June 24, space is still available for the one mile swim only leg/race of the Cohasset Triathlon (http://www.cohassettri.com/). Elizabeth Warren is rumored to have signed up for the swim so as not to be outdone by Scott Brown who is a rumored participant in the triathlon. Could the post-event activities include a campaign debate to settle once and for all which candidate would best represent the growing voting bloc of striped bass and lobster or will they pander to the politically influential but shrinking numbers of sea lions off the shores of Chatham? Only way to know is to get out for the swim.

Lastly, we don’t want to limit organized swims to Sunday or at the 8am time slot. Folks are heading out at various times throughout the week and from different locations. Feel free to email us at swim@crustybarnacles.com and we’ll add you to the email distribution list where you can connect with other swimmers.

Enjoy the week…

This Sunday we’ll be meeting between 7:30 and 8:00 am for the usual swim starting from just beyond Beach Fire in Nantasket. Rumor has it the Plymouth nuclear plant is running at full power as the water temperatures have jumped to the high 50s from last week’s high 40s. Depending on the crowd that shows up and the level of interest, the tide and water temps will give us the option to swim the normal course along the coast or instead head south east around the point and toward Gun Rock Beach in Hull or further toward Black Rock Beach. We may have some kayakers that could help escort us.

Also, I’m hearing more rumors of folks meeting at various times Sat. morning to swim, bike or run from Sandy Beach in Cohasset as part of training for the triathlon season. Feel free to forward this email along to anyone who is not on this list and who should be on the list.

Unfortunately, we cannot promise anyone the opportunity to swim with 1400 whale sharks. But if you like, the week-long festival in Isla Mujeras is still taking place and you still have time to make it down there to experience the opportunity of antagonizing a 40 ft sea creature (admittedly this defies reason). You can learn all about this aquatic running of the bulls here – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/swimming-with-whale-sharks_n_1533786.html.

Otherwise, enjoy the holiday weekend.

Quote for the Week inspired by an ever so brief episode with my wife this week…

“He was a dreamer, a thinker, a speculative philosopher… or, as his wife would have it, an idiot.”
Douglas Adams

Great news for open water swimmers – there’s now a 1st Annual one-mile open water race taking place in conjunction with the Cohasset Triathlon on June 24 in the protected cove at Sandy Beach.  I couldn’t think of a better place to host such an event, so if you are free that weekend, definitely sign up and participate in the first year of this event.

There are two categories, wetsuit and no wetsuit. It’ll begin right after the last triathlon heat leaves. More info on the swim can be found n the Cohasset Tri website or you can register directly at this link.

We’ll meet at the same location at the beginning of Nantasket Beach in Hull, but moving the time up a little earlier given the earlier sunrise. The conditions are expected to be calm and clear as the surf will clear out Thursday.The water temps will be a little on the chilly side so bring your gloves, booties and an extra cap just in case.

Any triathletes looking to get some early-season open water swims are encouraged to join and receive tips and points from our own celebrity swimmer Vic L.

It was a bit chilly in the water today at 45 degrees, but crisp, calm and clear. We’ll return next week, same time, same place. Enjoy.

I know it’s short notice, but Sunday, April 15 we’re having an impromptu first swim of the season at Nantasket Beach starting at 8am from the south eastern most entrance (first entrance on the right as you’re driving in). The water will be cold so come prepared accordingly (wetsuit, gloves, booties, caps, shark fin, goggles, etc.).

We’ll post subsequent swims but it is safe to assume that we’ll have a standing swim every Sunday at 8am.

Enjoy,
Tom

Here’s a belated account of the Cupid Splash. Modest turnout but a lot of spirit. Thanks again for all the support. Jane definitely wins the costume contest.

For Saturday March 24 at Noon, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is hosting its Annual Cupid Splash (it would be in Feb. but you get better turnout in March). It’s being held across eight locations along the harbor. The Nantasket Beach Splash will be at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bathhouse and importantly, post-event festivities at Daddy’s Beach Club just down the street. Crusty Barnacles will be meeting at 11:30 AM or earlier and caps will be provided to any new members.

We’ve set a very modest goal of raising $500. To get more info, go to the event homepage and join Team Crusty Barnacles. And remember, the term “Splash” is merely an advisory. Those wanting to swim a bit further are encouraged to do so. Those with Paddle Boards, Longboards, or Kayaks are also encouraged to join in on the fun.

There couldn’t be a better way to give back to the wonderful resource we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to take advantage of.

We’re finally planning the end of the season celebratory get together, two to three months late depending on your inclination for cold waters. We’re also finally updating the blog after an infant-induced three month hiatus. My apologies.  The evening will start at Daddy’s Beach Club Saturday Feb 18 at 7:30 PM in Nantasket Beach (http://www.daddysbeachclub.com). See everyone there.