Traditionally held in the Port of Maó on Boxing dayCross-harbour swim only attracts seven competitors
C.M.W.
Maó The annual cross-harbour swim held in the port of Maó on Boxing Day only attracted seven entrants this time, compared to the twenty or so that normally participate.
However they were cheered on by a large crowd of spectators, more than 250 of whom lined the bank to watch the event.
The swimmers were taken by boat across the port to Cós Nou where they were to start their swim of approximately 350 metres in water that this year registered a mere 15ºC.
The winner of the XIII Maó Cross-Harbour Swim was 36 year old Lluís Portella who finished the course in a time of 3 minutes 58 seconds.
Although originally from Sant Lluís, Portella now lives in Tenerife where he is a swimming instructor and a competitive swimmer. This is not the first time he has competed in the event nor the first time that he has won it.
In second place was Joaquín Goñi in a time of 4 minutes 40 seconds followed by Rafa Llopis in 5’35. At 46 years of age the oldest participant this year, Paco Pons made the crossing in 6 mins. 10 secs., ahead of Lluís Sánchez who finished in 6’52. The youngest swimmer in the group, 22 year old Salvador Botella clocked up 7’46 and in last place was Joan Cubas who completed the crossing in 8 mins. 10 secs.
On emerging from the cold waters of Maó harbour the swimmers were given the traditional cup of hot chocolate by Joana Pons to warm them up and help to start their circulation going once more.
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