Busselton Masters take on virtual Rotto swim

Over 50 Busselton Masters Swimming Club members completed the Virtual South32 Rottnest Channel Swim on Saturday February 15. Swimmers accrued the 19.7km ‘single crossing’ distance over 4 weeks. Some almost made 3 crossings in that time.

Each swimmer was presented with a finisher medal and certificate at Shelter Brewing by Rottnest Channel Swim Life Member Hall of Fame Legend Lesley Meaney and Rottnest and English Channel swimming Legend Tony Parbury. Both Lesley and Tony are members of the Busselton Masters.

Lesley was the first female to complete a solo Rottnest Swim in 1969 against all advice back then that ‘women couldn’t do it’.

Lesley proved them wrong and completed the crossing again in later years.

Tony completed the Rottnest Swim many times and achieved the English Channel Crossing, firstly as part of the record breaking oldest combined age team and then solo.

In the spirit of the club, the Winners Trophy was shared between new members, Geoff Farr and Dudley Scott.

“Dudley and I first met at school when we were 12 years old and the competition between us remains, though now it’s all about good fun,” Geoff said.

Many local businesses generously supported the event providing a variety of prizes including Dan Murphy’s, The Esplanade Hotel, The Goose, Inara Busselton, Spicy Odysee, Par 3 Golf, Orana Cinemas, Reading Cinemas, Moss Wood, Vasse Farmers Market, Eagle Bay Olives, Margaret River Chocolate, Forever and More, and Vasse Virgin.

For over 10 years, swimming clubs and pools across WA and the world have held their own Virtual South32 Rottnest Channel Swims, providing an opportunity for swimmers to virtually experience the magic of the swim.

Busselton Masters Swimming Club offers both pool and open water swimming providing fun, friendship and fitness through swimming.

The club caters for persons 18+ with a diverse range of swimming ability, living in the Busselton and local South West community. The club also has a strong focus on social activities.

For more information, visit busseltonmastersswimming.com