Sea Eels wrap up after warm winter

The Sea Eels have wrapped up another busy winter swimming season, with 20 swims between 3 May and 13 September.

It was an unusually warm season, with water temperatures never dropping below 15 degrees. After years of swimming in 13-degree water, we were almost wondering where winter had gone.

The season included a trip to Huskisson to take on the Jervis Bay Wobbegongs, along with visits from Bulli Sea Lions, Wollongong Floating Flamingos, Bondi Icebergs, Cronulla RSL and Kurranulla. The Sea Eels came away with the trifecta of 10 person relay trophies from Jervis Bay, Bulli Sea Lions and the Bondi Icebergs visit.

At the 61st South Coast Winter Championships, the club finished second in both the Pointscore and Handicap Pointscore, with Ron Masser setting a new record. Our annual bus trip to Bondi Icebergs produced two gold medals for Ben Stacpoole and Ron Masser, while Kerrie Lee Lord took second place overall at the Kurranulla Carnival.

The season finished with our Club Championships and Presentation Day, where CRAM Foundation received a $2,000 donation to assist local residents in care.

Congratulations to Ryan Woodward, winner of the King Cup, Harrison Ryan, winner of the Under 14 Ernie Valbusa Cup, and Graham Standen and Ben Stacpoole, who shared the 100m Endurance Cup.

Seven swimmers completed 100% of the season and qualified as Slippery Eels: Ryan Woodward, Graham Standen, Anne Woodward, Dawn Marshall, Rachel McGregor, Justin Larkin and Rick Dzopalic. The Slippery Eel trophy resulted in a first tie, with Justin and Graham sharing the honours.

Congratulations also to Graeme Cassidy, our Club Person of the Year.

A big thank you to our hard working committee, Marg and Pete Hunt, who once again donated weekly raffle prizes. 

Thank you also to our members and sponsors, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Club, Helensburgh Hotel, Ryans Hotel and Mr Liquor Helensburgh.