Early leaders come to the fore in swim series

Nelson’s Rylock Sea Swim Series is settling into place after some turbulent tussles in the harbour.

After four swims, positions overall and in the various age groups are starting to settle.

Thursday’s race of just over 1250m involved a long, thin, triangular course of 600m south into the teeth of an incoming tide, followed by two cruisy sections north back to the start point at the Nelson Yacht Club ramp.

Terry Bone hasn’t had things his own way this summer, but he managed to pull out his second win ahead of teen challenger Finn Bryant.

Swimming in his first race this summer, teenager Lucas Bell was next, ahead of Mia Pugh, who is becoming the favourite for the women’s title this summer.

But don’t discount Lilly Claridge, who has won the series for the past two years and finished 30 seconds behind Mia this week.

The short race option this week was more than 500m and Roger Matheson relished the conditions to post his best win yet and lead the series from Ara Wyatt.

Competition was fierce in the age groups - none more so than in F70+, where Odette Llewellin and Anne Harwood battled each other for half an hour, only to finish two seconds apart.

The series continues through to March, with racing every Thursday.

Full results and information, nelsonseaswims.co.nz.