Sunday 5/2/17 – The Julie Isbill Classic

Manly beach was overwhelmed with hordes of people this morning.

There were rumours that our founder, Her Royal Highness Julie Isbill, the patron saint of Pink Caps was back in town.

 

The paparazzi were prowling.

 

Special lookouts were setup.

 

Even our own special lower middle management, Shaun dressed in his formal best.

 

Lyndall choreographed the cheerleaders.

 

Sid performed a welcome Haka on stage.

 

Shelley was so overcome that she started speaking in tongues.

 

Lainey pulled out all stops to organise the best ever B&B arch.

Then with everyone at absolute fever pitch.

 

HRH Julie arrived.

A sense of absolute joy was experienced by all those close by.

 

 

Lee, Ewan and Jessica

 

Suzie

 

 

Martin had flown in to be with Bernard for this auspicious occasion.

 

Haruto had come all the way from Japan.

 

 

 

 

 

A newbie, Miles who will remember this day forever.

 

Free commemorative bananas for this special day.

Photo opportunities were limited so Derek helped Sheena in her final preparations.

 

Then their wish of a private audience with HRH Julie was granted.

 

Photographed here with Michael, Julie and Ted, all their dreams had come true.

Meanwhile the celebrations continued as people made their way into the water.

 

 

 

 

 

Above and below the waves they continued to frolic.

 

 

Rusty blowing bubbles.

 

Across at Shelley, The Rat from Melbourne, Louise, Marco and Guy practiced for their next synchronised swimming routine.

 

 

 

Katrina absolutely overwhelmed by the emotion of the day.

 

A bit of sustenance to then take part in the other lesser occasion at Manly beach today, the Cole classic.

Gemma preparing for her 2k Cole Classic swim.

BREAKING NEWS:

In a totally unexpected turn of events, HRH Julie has bestowed upon Rainer the title of Lord Rainer, Prince of the Photobomb.

 

Here he is proudly displaying his medal of office to two adoring fans Janet and Sue.

Plus a reminder from John Bond.

 

Stats:

Swimmers: 327

Newbies: 12

Temp: 23.7

Today we witnessed something special and all walked away with a sense of wonderment and joyous hearts.

   Thunderbird

 

The first B&B monthly dinner for 2017 will be on Tuesday 14th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Nigel Marsh, who is best known for his creative pursuits. As well as the author of three books – Fat, Forty and Fired, Overworked and Underlaid and Fit, Fifty and Fired-Up – he is also the co-founder of Earth Hour and the founder of the Sydney Skinny. Nigel will talk to us about the Sydney Skinny swim. So bring your special friend and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your B&B friends.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW.

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.