62 Escape from Managaha

Three record breakers led a record-breaking crowd of swimmers to Micro Beach on Saturday as Nina Mosley, Rezne Wong, and Juan Camacho of the Saipan Swim Club posted the fastest inter-island times ever logged by leading the 62-strong pack during the 4th Annual Escape From Managaha.

Mosley was the first to reach Saipan’s shores when she beat last year’s course record 37:00 mark with a time of 36:39, and she was soon joined by fellow sub-37 club members Wong (36:43) and Camacho (36:59).

Escape organizers touted this year’s swim as an event rather than a race, but that didn’t do much to slow down the turbo trio as they churned the waters in the channel by passing those who left as early as 25 minutes before them.

The mass of swimmers broke last year’s high-water mark as 62 departed in three waves, with the fastest leaving last to make for a more even finish, but SSC head coach Michael Stewart had the greatest head start because he was charged with towing a three-passenger kayak loaded with Tuyet Nguyen, youngster Maxie Braig, and Saipan’s Cleopatra, Bobbi Grizzard.

Stewart delivered his three passengers to Saipan an hour after departure and said that he realized early on that it was going to be a little more than he bargained for when he opened the bidding three weeks ago.

“It was quite difficult. I had no triceps—I mean nothing— after the first 1,000 meters. I had no arms left. I told myself to just hold onto my stroke, stay nice and long, and we’ll be there in about 40 minutes,” said the coach.

After he had a chance to catch his breath, Stewart expressed his appreciation for all the assistance he received from a number of local agencies and businesses in putting the event together.

“I’d really like to thank the MVA, guys at the Saipan Tribune, The Sports Show with Brad and Shan, Dasani, Coca-Cola, Micronesian Marina, Island Apparel, DPS, PTI, PDI, Roland Johnson, and Mark Staal, for his time and gas for the support boats, special guest Bill Sakovich, the BBQ preparers, and everyone who helped make this happen. We couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.

MVA supported the event by paying to get the escapees to Managaha, providing the applications, logistical support including permits and communication between the local agencies lending the use of their facilities and equipment, as well as onsite support, but they weren’t the only local company pitching in.

Pacific Development, Inc. general manager Yoichi Matsumura provided assistance as well by securing the services of Pacific Subsea’s boat, opening the communications between the organizers and the MVA, as well as communicating between the event’s previous organizer and this year’s planners.