Subway Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim 2010

   
(click on 'race rules' to download as a word document)

Race description:   The Subway Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim starts at waters edge, in front of the Picnic Bay SLSC, Magnetic Island and finishes at water's edge, in front of the SLSC  Clubhouse on the Strand Beach adjacent to the Strand Park jetty in Townsville. The course is almost a straight line, heading south from the island, over a small reef and finishes with a narrow chute approximately 400m offshore leading into the finish. Total race distance is 8km. The event was first held in 1954 and is the longest open water winter swimming race in Queensland and northern Australia.

The race is organized by the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association (TOWSA).       

Race entry:     Swimmers can enter online at www.magneticislandswim.com.au .   Preferred payment is through our secure online PayPal system. If you wish to pay through bank transfer, please  contact the race  registrar  moo@magneticislandswim.com.au 

Cost:   Solos $140, Duos $230, Teams of 3 persons $320, Teams of 4 persons $410. This includes a $50 donation to the supporting paddler's 

            club or organization. If your paddler is affiliated with a club, the funds must go towards that club. If not, you may nominate a charity or

            club of your choice on entry.

 

Date: Sunday 18th July, 2010. 12pm race start.   

           Entries close Friday 18th June 2010.

RACE DETAILS 

Transport to island:

§          Ferry and bus costs covered in entry fee.

§          All swimmers need to catch the Sunferries ferry to the island (~20min)

      Departs Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville (near Casino)

Please arrive at least 20 mins prior to departure. You will receive your one way ferry  

ticket at the race briefing.

§          Ferry timetables are available at http://www.sunferries.com.au/magnetic_island_ferry/ferry_timetable.php

We recommend the 930am ferry, however you will still be able to take the 1030am ferry from the mainland.  There will be a free bus connecting from these 2 ferries only to transport you from the Nelly Bay terminal direct, to Picnic Bay (~10min). 

If you choose another ferry time (eg. choose to travel to island on Saturday after race briefing), you must organize your own travel to Picnic Bay. The Magnetic Island Bus Service http://www.magnetic-island.com.au/bus-timetable.htm  connects with most ferry arrivals from the terminal (~15min travel).

Belongings:

§          Race organizers will arrange for your belongings to be taken back to the mainland. To assist us please:

§         Bring your own labeled bag, do not bring valuables, deliver your bag to the designated area at the start line. Minimize bag size.

§         Team swimmers should use their support boats for their belongings.

§          Please note: ensure you will have warm clothes and a towel at the finish line.

 

Support craft/Paddlers:

§          All solo swimmers must be accompanied by a paddler only during the swim.

§          All teams must have a support boat in addition to a paddler. 

Start time:

§          Solos 12.00 pm sharp

§          Teams 12.15 pm sharp

Finish time:

§          Swimmers are expected to complete the race in 1.5 3 hours. There is a strict half-way safety check point cut-off time of 2 hours, and finishing time of 4 hours.  

Post swim:

§          Showers and change room facilities are available at Picnic Bay SLSC (Strand Clubhouse) at the finish.

§          Fruit/water will be supplied at the finish.

 

Race briefing:             Saturday 17th July, 2-3pm

                                    Greek Community Centre, 799 Flinders St. West, Townsville. (near Sovereign Hotel)

                                    Compulsory for all swimmers.

                                    Compulsory for all paddlers who were randomly allocated by TOWSA.  Responsibility of

individual clubs who forwarded fundraising paddler lists.

                                    Attendance of paddlers who have been organized by the swimmer is recommended,

however it remains the responsibility of the swimmer to ensure they are properly briefed.  

Compulsory for support boat skippers/rep of team swimmers.

Presentations:        Picnic Bay SLSC (at finish, opposite Strand Park) commencing 430pm. 

                                    Bar will be open for food/drinks from 1pm-6pm.

                                   

Entry numbers:   Competitor numbers will be capped at 100 to ensure and safe and successful race.

                                Should the number of entries exceed the limit set for the event, all subsequent entrants will be advised and payments refunded.   

 Qualifying Swim:  Solo swimmers must complete a 5 km swim within 6 months of race day, in a time of

less than 2 hours 15 minutes.  If there are no events of this distance in your area, your

entry will be accepted if you can provide evidence upon entry that you are capable of

completing the event within the time limit.   Evidence may include a list of your ocean

swims within the last 2 years, training logs or a letter of support from your coach.
Team  swimmers must complete a 2 km (minimum) open water swim within 6 months      of race day in a time of less than 55 mins.

NB. The qualifying Strand Swim is held on Sun 13/06/09, incorporating both a 5km and

2.5km event. In addition to this there is a Junior 1km race and a Dash for Cash sprint.

See website for details. Nomination is on race day only.

 Refunds:                  All applications for a refund must be made by 18/06/09. An administration fee of

$30 will be retained per entry.  There will be no refunds after this date.  Should the race                      

                                    be abandoned due to bad weather, entry fees will not be refunded.


Race Briefing:             Attendance as above.  The briefing will provide final precise information on the event,  

                                       the course, safety information, support craft management, swim rules & regulations.  A  

                                       race briefing pack will also be handed out at the briefing.  The pack includes the event  

                                       merchandise, swim cap, race information and your one-way ferry ticket to the island.

 

Inclement Weather/Swim conditions:

                                      The safety of all people involved in the Event is paramount.  The Race Committee has the

                                      sole and unquestionable responsibility for the  decision on whether or not to start

                                       the Event.  If in the opinion of the Race Committee, these  swimming conditions become

                                      dangerous and/or otherwise unsafe, the Event may be cancelled without notice.

 


Paddlers:

§          OC1, OC2, kayak, surf ski, surf paddle boards are all suitable craft.

§          Swimmers will indicate upon entry whether they require a paddler. These swimmers will get a paddler on a 'first in, first served' basis. Out-of-towners will all be guaranteed a paddler and move to the top of the list upon race entry.

§          Allocation will be random. Requests for particular paddlers will not be considered if you have requested an allocation on entry.

§          Swimmers who have organized their own paddler need to complete all required paddler details upon entry, otherwise entry will not be accepted.

§          All paddlers, whether pre-arranged by the swimmer or allocated, will generate fundraising money ($50/paddler) for their affiliated club which must be specified on entry.  You may only nominate a charity or one of the surf clubs if your paddler is not affiliated with any club (surf/outrigger/kayak).

§          This is included in entry fees. TOWSA will make this payment directly to the clubs. .

§          Swimmers will be notified of their paddler allocation by 04/07/09 (2/52 ahead of race) 

§          Paddlers MUST display the provided SUBWAY sponsor sticker on their craft for the duration of the race.

 Support Boats (Team entries only):

§          Teams are responsible for organizing their own support boats.  Boat and skipper details must be included on entry.  Should you need some assistance, please contact the committee who will be able to provide some local contacts of boaties who have previously offered their services.

 Additional Support Craft / Paddler notes:

§          All solo swimmers must be accompanied by a paddler throughout the event (one paddler per swimmer).   All duos and relay teams must be accompanied by a paddler throughout the event.  You may need to arrange a means of identifying your paddler/swimmer (balloons, zinc markings on swimmer etc.) .

§          Teams must also have a motorized support craft.   The support craft will rendezvous with the team swimmer & paddler as soon as practicable after the swimmer crosses Picnic Bay Reef and will remain with the swimmer until the chute (approx. 400m off the Strand Beach).  The paddler is the first and closest safety contact for the swimmers and also assists with holding the correct course and providing sustenance.  The boat provides support and back up to both the swimmer and paddler, as well as carrying other members of the team and support crew.

§          Contact with paddler's craft or support boat: For safety reasons, the swimmer can stop and rest and hold onto the support craft, provided the craft is stationery and not moving in a forward direction.  If a swimmer is seen to be towed by a support craft, the swimmer/team will be immediately disqualified, and withdrawn from the race.   No allowance will be made to the swimmers/teams finishing time for stoppages.

§          Relay change-overs: Swimmers must touch hands above the surface of the water. The first change over may occur as soon as it is safe to do so, after the support boat meeting point. The final change over should occur no later than 100m to the seaward side of the buoy marking the start of the finishing chute (see course map).

§          Support Boat Position: For safety reasons, support boats are not permitted to travel directly in front or directly behind a swimmer.   Subject to available water space, the boat must always travel alongside the swimmer.

§          Right of Way; All support boats must give way to swimmers in the water, at all times.   Swimmers must use common sense.  The risk of propeller injuries, is the greatest danger you will face during the event.   If it appears that a boat is coming too close for comfort, do everything you can to alert the driver to your presence, and get out of it's way.

§          Support Boat Requirements: Support boats must be seaworthy and licenced to carry the number of passengers who will be involved in the team and crew, including the swimmer and paddler who are in the water.  The boat  must also carry all required safety equipment (lifejackets etc.) for all persons on board.  The boat must also be fitted with a marine radio, and must have a working mobile phone on board.   Jet Skis are not suitable to act as support boats.

§          Drafting: No drafting is permitted off support boats or other swimmers.   Drafting off a motorized craft is extremely dangerous, and drafting off other swimmers is unsportsmanlike.   Paddlers should be used for safety and direction only and should not assist the progression of the swimmer. The race director (TOWSA President) will have the ultimate decision and offenders risk disqualification.

 Insurance:                All personal medical insurance is the responsibility of swimmers.

The event has sports injury and public liability insurance.  Once swimmers register for any event run by TOWSA, they are considered members of TOWSA and are covered for 12 months from that date. This includes organized training swims leading to the event.

 Etiquette:                   All swimmers, paddlers & skippers are to behave in a fair and sportsmanlike manner

without any interference or aggression toward any other swimmer or boat in the event.

 Minimum Age:           Solo swimmers must be at least 14 years, and team swimmers at least 12 years on the

                                    day of the race.  For all teams containing swimmer(s) under 18 yrs, a parent/guardian

                                    must be on the support boat to assist with and supervise their race.

 Swim Costumes:    Any swim suits deemed legal as per FINA for Open Water Swimming in 2009, will be

                                    acceptable in this event. This includes Fast Skin materials and suits which cover the

torso and legs.  

The committee recognizes peoples' changing attitudes to sun, safety and the spirit of open water swimming.  In recognition of this and in the best interests of competitors, the 2010 race will allow the wearing of suits that people have worn in prior years. This will be reconsidered at the 2010 AGM, depending on FINA's decision for open water events as well as other reputable Australian events.

HENCE, in 2010 swimmers are permitted to wear swim skins or rash vests of any brand.  Blueseventy 'pointzero3' and 'nero' suits are allowed. 

Swim Caps/Race Numbers:  All swimmers must wear the prescribed cap and display their race number on both arms throughout the event.

Equipment:              No swimmer shall use or be assisted by artificial aids of any kind. Swimmers are

permitted to use grease, goggles, swim caps and nose clips.

Shark deterrent devices can be used as long as it does not interfere with other  swimmers.

 

COURSE MAP 2010

After swimmers pass through the initial 2 buoys, there will be a single line of 7 large buoys in a direct route to the mainland. All SWIMMERS and PADDLERS must keep LEFT of these buoys at all times.  There will be a chute at the finish consisting of 4 buoys. Please read below and refer to the course map on our website also.

·         Paddler meeting point. Solos and lead off duo/team swimmers should meet up with their paddler as soon as practicable after the start of the event.  A safety control point (consisting of two large fluorescent pink buoys, approximately 100m apart, through which all swimmers must pass) will be located 500m off the beach from the start line.   All swimmers must attempt to meet up with their paddler by this point.

·         Support boat meeting point. Duos and team swimmers and paddlers will meet up with their motorized support boat on the southern (mainland side) of Picnic Bay Reef, approx. 1.4 klms from the shore.   The next large pink buoy will indicate this meeting point.  Duos and teams will not be permitted to proceed beyond this point without their boat.   An official boat will be located at this point to ensure this rule is enforced.   Whilst waiting for their team, support boats must keep well clear to enable clear passage for swimmers and paddlers.  Support boats may wait on EITHER side of the buoy marker line. When it is safe to do so, pull alongside the swimmer/paddler.   Team change-overs can then commence.

·         Midway control point. A safety control point will be located 4 klms from the start, at approximately the half way point of the course.   It  will consist of a large coloured buoy (green/yellow).

·         Final chute: The final chute will commence approx. 300m offshore from the finish (off the SLSC headland).   For safety reasons, no motorized support craft or paddlers will be permitted to proceed past this point.   Paddlers should proceed straight into the beach, directly in front of the SLSC, outside the chute marker buoys.   Support boats should move away from the race course but may anchor or beach on the southern side of the headland (subject to weather conditions).   Boat owners are solely responsible for their craft at all times.

·         Cut Off Times.

Solos : 2 hours at the midway control point (2pm) and 4 hours at the finish (4pm).  

Teams : 1 hour 45 minutes at the 4 km mark and 3 hours 45mins  at the finish

       For safety reasons, any swimmers who have not passed these points by the designated     

       time, will be disqualified and asked to leave the water. .   A cut off time of 2 hours apply

       to all competitors.   Any swimmer/team which does not pass between these buoys   

       within the time limit,  will be disqualified and required to leave the water.

 

SWIMMER'S DECLARATION 2010

1.       In consideration of and as a condition of acceptance of my/our entry in the 2010 Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim ("the Event") I/we for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and legal personal representatives hereby waive all and any claim, right or cause of action which I/we or they might otherwise have or at any future time have for or arising out of loss of life or injury (including psychological trauma) damages or loss of any description whatsoever (including property damage) which I/we or my/our equipment may suffer or sustain in the course of, or consequent upon, my entry or participation in the said Event howsoever arising except to the extent prohibited by law.

2.       I/we hereby release and discharge the Townsville Open Water Swimming Assoc. Inc. together with all persons and corporations involved or otherwise engaged in promoting, staffing or operating the Event together with the servant, agents, representatives and officers of any of them including, (without limiting the generality of the foregoing), sponsor organisations, land owners and lessees, promoters and organisers of the Event, together with their respective directors, officers, employees, consultants, contractors, ,agents, officials and volunteers, from all liability for loss of life or injury, (including psychological trauma), damages or loss of any description whatsoever (including property damage) which I/we or my/our equipment may suffer or sustain in the course of or consequent upon my entry or participation in the said Event howsoever arising except to the extent prohibited by law.

3.       I hereby declare that I am medically and physically fit and have undertaken adequate training for the Event mindful of the specific route of the course and the duration of the swim.

4.       I hereby agree that in the event of storm, rain, inclement seas or winds, the organisers of the Event have the right to modify or cancel the Event and the entry fee shall not be refundable.  Entry fees shall not be refundable for any swimmers withdrawing or not starting the Event.  

5.       I agree to the race conditions as set by the organising committee.

6.       All competitor details will be entered into a database. Townsville Open Water Swimming Assoc. Inc., sponsors and/or any of their related entities may use the entrants names and official photos for future promotional, marketing and publicity purposes.

7.       I/we acknowledge that participation in the Event  is an activity as a result of which serious personal injury or even fatalities may be a consequence. 

8.       By nominating to participate in this, I hereby authorize the Swim Director to take whatever action is deemed necessary in the event of an emergency and accept responsibility for any and all costs arising from such action.

9.       By registering for this event, I am considered a member of TOWSA for 12 months, and am therefore covered under the association's sports injury and public liability insurance.

10.    I have read and understand the race information and rules and swimmer's declaration.