42 ‘Escapees’ bolt Managaha Island

 Victoria Chentsova beat fellow Saipan Swim Club senior swimmer Kento Akimaru in last Saturday’s 9th Annual Escape from Managaha.

Chentsova reached the American Memorial Park in 38:09.10 minutes to narrowly beat last year’s winner Akimaru who registered a time of 38:09.31.

Chentsova and Akimaru led 42 swimmers-ranging in age from 6 to 60-that “escaped” the tourist hotspot by swimming the 2.4-kilometer channel between Managaha Island and AMP’s Micro Beach.

Along the way, Chentsova, Akimaru, and company were able to sample Saipan’s abundant marine life from beneath the waves, ogling sea turtles, manta rays, and assortment of fish during perfect weather conditions.

Akimaru, who won the 2011 edition in a time 40:04.21, even got a glimpse of an unexploded World War II bomb some 14 minutes into the swim.

Chentsova also bettered her 40:05.35 from last year when she finished second to Akimaru.

San Francisco masters swimmer Ed Ewing and former University of Southern California water polo player Jeff El-Hajj gave the SSC duo stiff competition as they emerged from the surf in 38:19.41 and 38:41:38, respectively.

The 2012 Escape from Mangaha Island was also a special bonding time for three generations of Pierces, as Carol Lynn swam with daughter Jennifer and grandson R.J.

Carol Lynn, an SSC masters swimmer, and Jennifer, who used to swim for SSC, both finished in a time of 1:09:22, while R.J. came in ahead of them in 1:09:16:68.

It also marked the first time that SSC head coach Mike Villagomez’s two sons-Michael and Mikhail-joined the Escape.

With their father guiding them in, Michael and Mikhail successfully completed the cross channel swim in 1:00:07:31 and 1:03:45:17, respectively.

SSC coaches Mieko Carey and Gary de Guzman also took part in the swim to accompany their younger wards.

Speaking of young swimmers, 6-year-olds Jinnosuke Suzuki (50:36:63) and Kento’s brother, Taiyo (1:03:59:31), also gamely took on the Escape.

Not really a straight-up competition, organizers of the Escape allowed participants to sport swims aids such as fins, buoys, and paddles.

The 42 swimmers that took part in Saturday’s crossing were supported by 12 kayakers, namely Dennis Chapala, Judy Hawkins, Jun Lee, Brian Beardon, Derek Chambers, Selly Kremer, Yogi Singh, Aric Bickle, Ann Jordan, Ron Wright, Steve Beyer, and Steve Johnson.

SSC would also like to thank their multitude of sponsors. They are Docomo Pacific, Coca Cola, DFS Galleria, Law Offices of Joshua Berger, Pacific Islands Club, McDonald’s, Marianas Eye Institute, and Tan Siu Lin Foundation.

The club also extended its gratitude to the Sun Rider, captained by Donn Dunlap, and the Sea Spray, captained by Fred Nose, for transporting the swimmers to Managaha Island and Jeff Elliott for providing the buoy used for sighting and Lewie Tenorio for designing the 2012 Escape from Mangaha T-shirt.

SSC acknowledged as well the volunteers and family members who provided refreshments and were on site to help and cheer participants of the event.