Nappy Man Makes a Splash!

What a stunning warm summer evening for The annual Paignton Regatta Round the Pier Swim which really is an all singing and dancing community event. Thirty-five intrepid swimmers including the return of ‘Mankini Man’ Ali Sular, who this year was dressed as a nappy clad baby complete with dummy. He even brought a little friend with him also in a loose fitting nappy! There were super fit competition swimmers, recreational swimmers, swimmers in rubber rings and I think that one even had a rubber duck! What is also brilliant is the age range which spanned over sixty years! How good is that!

Someone asked me the distance to which I simply had to say “’Tis out to the end and all the way back.” Needless to say that all thirty-five were counted out and all thirty-five were counted back in ably supervised by Harbour Sports Kerrie Waller (aka Sister Agnes).  Kayaks and safety boats from the 6^th Torbay (Britannia) Scout Group kept a watchful eye on the splashing swimmers, Lifeguards Claire Moran and Sophie from the Redcliffe Hotel Spa kept a very sharp eye from the beach. Paignton Sailing Club’s Liz Rayner wrapped shivering swimmers in space blankets before sending them off for a hot drink provided by Deputy Mayor Dave Thomas.

Paignton Regatta is a wonderful event and despite biblical downpours during the week it has brought a smile to many. Regatta committee member, Guy Henderson, presented the Regatta Swim cups to Adam Carter who splashed home in first place and to first lady home Catherine Taylor. The first three men and the first three ladies home also received Paignton Regatta medals plus some rather nice prizes. A medal was also presented to Nappy Man Ali Sular who braved the cold to raise money for the child charity Sparks.