The 31st annual Peaks to Portland Swim was held today in Portland, Maine). The 2.4-mile ocean swim was tidal assisted from Peaks Island to East End Beach, Portland.

Under great summer conditions, 316 swimmers started with the incoming tide, most of whom (94%) were wrapped up in neoprene. A much smaller minority (19) of hardened swimmers braved the 64°F (18°C) water with their own natural bioprene.

“It was a very scenic swim route. We swam past Fort Gorges that was built in the 1800s in Casco Bay at the entrance of the harbor,” gushed Pat Gallant-Charette. “Most swimmers were guided by their kayaker. It was a very well organized and safe swim which was great because swimmers came from all over the United States, 189 first-timers. It’s my favorite swim in the world.”

A very strong testimonial from an open water swimmer who was swum all over the world from Spain to California.

The winner of the bioprene (non-wetsuit) division was Michael Leake of Vermont in 51:52. Susan Knight of Maine won the women’s division in 53:52.

In the neoprene division, Scott Yeomans of Pennsylvania won his second straight swim in 45:32 with Pamela Torey of Maine victorious in 50:14.

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