By Carol McCracken (Post # 531)

For the second year in a row Nick Daly won the Peaks to Portland race – his time was 45 minutes and 22 seconds. Kristen Desrosiers, 19, came in first for women. It was her first Peaks to Portland race, although she is an established swimming competitor.

Hundreds turned out for this fundraiser – to greet and support friends and relatives who emerged victoriously from the calm & warmish waters of Casco Bay under a rainbow of colorful balloons. Each of the 193 swimmers were greeted by Y staff and volunteers with a “good job” and check to make sure they were alright. Several were given an assist as they were wobbly on their feet after the 2.4 mile swim from Peaks Island to East End Beach, by Terry Swann, aquatic director for the Y.

Merry Farnum, 57, who swam without a wet suit said she’s been swimming in this race for 23 years. She said the conditions were very good; the water was flat and there was no current. She had a Hershey bar for breakfast and recommends it. Another swimmer was Irwin Gratz, of Maine Public Radio. At 53 years old, he was swimming for the 7th year. According to his wife, Bonny Rodden, who is on the town council, in Falmouth, he swims year round.

The race was a fundraiser for the YMCA located at 70 Forest Avenue. Proceeds from the event are used to enable people who could not otherwise afford it to become members.

Please visit www.cumberlandcountymca.org