The Italians have a word which, for me, seems to catch the moment when things really go well. The word is Fanastico and the annual Paignton Regatta Round the Pier swim last Friday evening was exactly that! This is my second year of being the organiser and what fun it is. Twenty-nine people ranging in age from 14 to 75+ splashed into the sea on the south side of the pier and then cut through the waves around a bright orange buoy off the end before speeding back to the beach.
Of course and event like this can’t happen without tremendous support from many people including two safety boats and numerous canoeists from the 6th Torbay Scouts, plus Simon Lane his kayaking friends. Lifeguards Claire (from the Redcliffe Hotel) and Bethan (6th Torbay) kept a watchful eye over the swimmers but didn’t need to leap into action! Dotted amongst the spectators were the yellow sweatshirts of the Paignton Regatta Committee members rattling collecting boxes and handing out space blankets to shivering swimmers! This is a community in action!
One of the stars of the evening was swimmer Ali Sular who sported a bright green mankini and in doing so managed to raise over £200 for Rowcroft Hospice. Good man! Borat look out – Ali Sular is looking for your job!
Ali is a very good friend - not surprised he did something like this, certainly made me smile over my cornflakes this morning!
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