01/09/2026
BYSea Swim Fest- New Course Record — Terms and Conditions Apply
By Diane Nelson
Under grey-bright skies, with the bay glassy and the water unexpectedly warm, forty-two swimmers took to Ballyholme Bay for another memorable edition of BYSea Swim Fest- and the sea, for once, delivered everything asked of it.
Proudly sponsored by Dunluce Healthcare Group, the 2026 BYSea Swim Fest offered two courses to suit every swimmer: a 1,500 metre distance for those seeking a serious test, and a 750 metre route that brought a strong field of its own. The conditions were close to ideal — flat calm, warm water, not a single jellyfish in sight. Intermittent drizzle was met with the cheerful indifference only an open water swimmer truly understands.
Safety on the water was expertly managed by a dedicated rescue team comprising two RIBs, four kayakers and a paddle boarder, who kept a watchful eye on every stroke from start to finish. Ashore, a team of BYC volunteers handled registration and safety briefings with efficiency and warmth, while hot beverages and snacks kept energy levels up throughout the morning. The support of family and friends — lining the shore, cheering in the drizzle — made the atmosphere everything a club event should be.
RACE RESULTS
1,500 Metres, or so… 18 swimmers· Completed in a notably fast time!
First place: Fraser Buchanan
Second place: Justin McIlroy
Third place: Caitlin Angus
750 Metres. Sprint Course
24 swimmers · A fast-finishing, closely contested race to the line
First place: Trudy Brown
Second place: Ryan Smith- CEO, Dunluce Healthcare Group
Third place: Peter Cameron
The 1,500 metre race produced an excellent standard throughout its 18-strong field, with a collectively fast finishing time reflecting both the benign conditions and no shortage of competitive spirit. Fraser Buchanan led the way to take the top spot, with Justin McIlroy a strong second and Caitlin Angus rounding out the podium in third— a fine performance from all.
The 750 metre race, with 24 starters, proved the afternoon's most dramatic contest. A tight, fast-finishing affair, it went all the way to the line before Trudy Brown claimed a well-deserved first place. Dunluce Healthcare Group CEO Ryan Smith demonstrated that his organisation's commitment to health extends well beyond the boardroom, finishing a thoroughly earned second. Peter Cameron completed the podium in third.
With the final swimmer ashore, the day moved seamlessly onward. The BBQ was fired up, both bars opened their doors, and music carried across the club as awards were presented by Ryan Smith on behalf of Dunluce Healthcare Group. It was a fitting close to a day that showed BYSea Swim Fest in its very best light.
Our warmest thanks go to every swimmer who entered the water, to the families and friends who came to cheer them on through the drizzle, and above all to the BYC volunteers whose dedication and good humour made every element of the day possible.
