2013 Peaks to Portland Swim

The 32nd Annual Peaks to Portland Swim, a 2.4 mile ocean swim, was held on Saturday, July 13 under sunny skies. The Cumberland County YMCA organized this event. Again this year, they did a fantastic job by providing a safe, fun swim.  From Peaks Island the first wave of swimmers and their escort kayaker started at 9 a.m. and then every few minutes a wave of swimmers and their escort kayaker followed with a total of five waves. A few swimmers opted for no escort kayaker. There were safety boats along the course, too. The swim started on a slack tide.  The incoming tide did not start until late in the swim.  Water temperature was a balmy 65 degrees. Swimmers enjoyed the scenic route pass Fort Gorges at the entrance of Casco Bay.  Of the 400 registered entrants, only 23 swimmers opted for the non-wetsuit category.  The remainder of swimmers wore wetsuits.   The winner of the Men's non-wetsuit division was Michael Leake of Bennington, Vt in a time of 59:09.5.  Again, this year he led the pack in the non-wetsuit division.  He is an amazing young man and talented swimmer   The winner of the Women's Non-wetsuit division was Carla Dropo of Beverly, MA in a time of 1:04.33.5. She proved to be a very strong and fast endurance swimmer.  Japanese marathon swimmer Miyuke Fujita (non-wetsuit) was honored for traveling the longest distance to compete in Peaks to Portland.  The record breaking crowd of spectators enjoyed a great view from East End Beach.  All swimmers received words of congratulations and a medal as they crossed the finish line.    The winner of the Men's wetsuit division was Scott Yeomans of Bethlehem,PA.  The winner of Women's wetsuit division was Kirsten Read of Arundel, Me.    Congratulation to all swimmers.  And many thanks to all the volunteers who did an incredible job.