The founder and inspirational leader of the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association, Emilio Casanueva, has resigned and the reins of the Association have now been handed to Scott Zornig with an expanded board.

“Emilio has recently moved [back] to Chile [his homeland]. We are forever grateful to Emilio for starting our organization and tuning it into what it is today. Prior to the formation of the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association, only 9 swims were recorded in the Channel islands (excluding Catalina).)”

“During Emilio’s four years as President of the Association, 37 swims were successfully completed including several first-time swims. We wish Emilio all the best and hope to see him conquer another channel island in the near future. Emilio and his immediate family are safe after the tragic earthquake in Chile this week,” explained new president Scott.

Scott also announced the 2010 Association Fees which include an official observer and insurance:

Solo Swim with registration by May 1st (and price after May 1st):

Single solo crossing: US$500 (US$750)
Double solo crossing: US$750 (US$1,000)
Triple solo crossing: US$1,000 (US$1,250)

Relay Swim with registration by May 1st (and price after May 1st):

Single relay crossing: US$900 (US$900)
Double relay crossing: US$600 (US$1,200)
Triple relay crossing: US$1,200 (US$1,500)

Scott (shown on left) also announce the following new members to the Board of Directors: Jim Fitzpatrick (Laguna Hills, California), Jane Cairns (Santa Barbara, California), Lynn Kubasek (Laguna Beach, California), Dave Van Mouwerik (San Luis Obispo, California) and Dale Mercker (Louisville, Kentucky) who join returning board members: Scott Zornig (Coto de Caza, California), Dean White (Santa Barbara, California), Nick Caine (Atherton, California) and Ned Dennison (Ireland). The board’s mission is to see that the history of swims to, from and around the 7 channel island (excluding Catalina Island) is preserved and to promote safe swims from these islands.

From what we have seen, they have done a great job so far and the future remains bright as ever.

Copyright © 2010 by Open Water Source