The wind was a gusty westerly breeze, with occasional light rain showers, but by the afternoon and start time, there were  glimpses of the sun.  All swimmers were strongly briefed to follow the buoyed route and leading Harbour Rib, and not try to swim a seemingly more direct route. At approximately 16.40,  84 Elite swimmers set off in their red hats, creating quite a white water spectacle as they followed the lead rib, accompanied by life guards on boards, safety canoes and other safety craft all around them, guiding them across  the river Camel estuary. At approximately 17.10, it was the turn of 241 non-Elite swimmers, again guided by the Harbour Rib, and escorted by the life guards on boards and safety canoes.

All the Swimmers made it across, though some needed a little help on the way, and all arrived at Rock with a feeling of great satisfaction and achievement, and were given a tumultuous welcome by family and friends, who, though not permitted near the finish line for safety reasons, were able to view from the dinghy park and other vantage points. At Rock, the Swimmers  received a bottle of water, the iconic swim tee shirt, a pasty, and hot or cold drink. The atmosphere at Rock was really party-like, and the sun came out to add warmth to the jubilant proceedings.

The Corporate Trophy challenge was between Sharp’s Brewery and Rock Rail, both companies major sponsors of the swim, and Rock Rail won the day. The Hawkins Trophy, awarded for exceptional effort from anywhere within the swim spectrum, was awarded to Team Turner. This group of friends have contributed so much to the swim over the past few years, including the production of swim banners, creation of a new swim website, professional-class photographic cover of the swim, and more duties besides.

The swim enjoys the support of Barnecutt bakeries, Harbour Hotels, Mariners Lettings, Rock Rail and Sharp’s Brewery as main sponsors.  There are also many organisations and individuals who make the swim possible.
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To find out more about fundraising for Marie Curie, including details of the next Padstow to Rock Swim, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved.
Please also keep an eye on the Padstow to Rock Swim FB page and this website for more photographs and information."