| Masters Swimming Links |
2008 Trans Tahoe Relay
The BAC Masters swim team has, over the past few years, sponsored several teams to participate in the Annual Trans Tahoe Relay, one of the most popular and arduous relay open water swims in the nation. Each year, well over 130 six-member teams (and several solo swimmers) attempt to swim the width of Lake Tahoe (approximately 11.5 miles) at an altitude of more than 6,200 feet while subjecting themselves to water temperatures ranging anywhere from the high 50’s to low 60’s (so, yes, we are talking cold, really cold!). This event also has the unique distinction of being the only USMS sanctioned swim event that crosses state lines (the relay starts in Nevada and ends in California). On July 19 of this year, the 32nd relay crossing, ably and graciously hosted by the San Francisco Olympic Club, took place under near perfect conditions (clear skies, warm air) which was even more extraordinary given the horrendous fire season northern California has been suffering with this year.
On the day of the race, in the early morning hours, an enormous flotilla of boats approaches Sand Harbor Nevada to disgorge their starting swimmers. The lead swimmer from each team swims to shore to prepare. A few swimmers warm up for a short time while others pace nervously on shore. Most folks, however, spend this time greeting one another with affection, throwing down mock challenges, and passing around good natured ribbing and teasing. At precisely 7:30 a red flare is launched and these tough, robust swimmers attack the water and head out into the lake. Some may start off too quickly (likely due to adrenaline), some may hang back to avoid the maelstrom, while others delve right into the melee of the swarm, legs and elbows everywhere, attempting to maneuver into an advantageous position. Thirty minutes later, the first transfer takes place and the race continues with each team member swimming a 30 minute segment, a 15 minute segment, then 10 minute segments until the team reaches Skylandia Beach in Lake Forest California. The top teams usually finish between 3 and 4 hours (this year, the winning time was 3:10). In order to complete the crossing, a team must reach the final buoy (about 1,000 meters out from the finish) within 6 hours.
As each team comes in, people begin to gather on shore and an informal party atmosphere begins to develop as water (well, beer actually), bagels, and fruit are passed around. Final times are anxiously awaited, solo swimmers are greeted, and everyone begins to plan for the evening activities (after a well deserved nap!).
Why do we do this? Well, in between the turbulent start (this year, over 140 swimmers clawing through the water and, at times, each other) and the exciting finish, we spend several hours out in the middle of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, soaking up the sun, admiring the breathtaking views Tahoe has to offer and, most importantly, spending time with close, great friends. Because of these elements, the Trans Tahoe Relay has grown in popularity within BAC. This year, we sponsored four relay teams and members from each team would like to share with you some of their thoughts, impressions, clothing losses, and feelings about this wonderful experience. |
Let's All Chill
Division - Mixed 180
Finishing Time - 4.32.28
Overall – 75/147
Team Members: Keith Fujishige, Peter Grace, Anca Oliver, Blake Simpson, Dave Summa, Leslie Thomas |
Last year, because we had had a tense 23 minutes trying to locate our lead swimmer before the first exchange (you are disqualified for missing an exchange), this year we tied a helium balloon to the goggle strap of our lead swimmer (who, by the way is a former Marine and current tri-athlete). The balloon unfortunately dragged more along the surface of the water than floated in the air. But despite this difficulty, we were able to spot him at 17 minutes and the tensest part of the race was over.
The water was warm and calm and we had a great line which the entire team held throughout the race. There was plenty of music, laughter, and lots of encouragement from everyone. Since this was Anca's first open water swim, she decided to swim her segment backstroke which, for the rest of the team, turned into a great clinic! Leslie felt so good she twice broke into fly in her 30 minute swim. And we understand that one of the other BAC team members swam so fast, he literally lost his suit mid-lake! As the race progressed, the lake’s thermal layer broke up and the water temperature dropped by about 5-6 degrees. But despite this, it was still great water and most teams posted their fastest time in years. And of course, the real story for Let’s All Chill’s 2008 swim was the chance to get to know each other better, earn great nicknames and even build stronger friendships. |
Mixed Fruits & Nuts 
Division: Mixed 240
Finishing Time - 4.22.49
Overall – 61/147
Team Members: Greg Chatham, Brian Fitzgibbons, Bart Mcdermott, Nancy McGovern, Lena Mughannam, Gary Murakami
Boat Captain: Chance Browning
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Although 2008 was technically my fifth time participating in the Trans Tahoe Relay, it was my first time in 12 years, which is a lot of time to reflect on how cold Lake Tahoe was the last time I swam in it! Thinking back on that last swim, what I do remember was how difficult it was just to talk after my 30 minute rotation. I was so cold that my lips were blue and my jaw muscles refused to function, thereby preventing me from speaking coherently. “Hello” became “Her-rro” and “I am cold” became “I kuld.” Fun! No, really, it was. And I am extremely thankful that I did not lose my swim suit during that race. Who knows how much colder I would have gotten! But I digress. As the race this year got underway, and the old competitive nerves calmed down giving way to the cackling laughter and kibitzing of your fellow water bugs in the boat, I also remembered other reasons why I had participated in the relays before: The scenic Sierra Mountain surroundings; the hot sun blazing down from the clear blue sky and the vast expanse of Lake Tahoe itself, with its beautiful turquoise-sapphire blue water. But the best bonus: Spending time with your fellow teammates – doing what we all enjoy doing together: Swim! It was fun 12 years ago and fun this past July - not only in the sense of what it is as an accomplishment, but really as a team of friends enjoying what we like doing together, which is swimming! |
M E L T
Division: Mixed 240
Finishing Time - 4.55.30
Overall – 106/147
Team Members: Neale Mulligan, Kate Mulligan, Denise Edwards, Patrick Lee, Catherine Lee and Doug Tudor.
Boat Owner – John Spaich
Boat Skipper - Eric Magnusson |
One interesting thing about our team was that we were a couple's team (despite the fact that my man was not able to participate). We were also an international, bi-coastal, and inter-generational team in that we had an Australian, a Canadian (that does count, doesn't it?), a Georgian (as in Atlanta), and two teenagers on the boat (which is cool because I think it is a good example for them of how to spend time with friends). We also remained fully clothed throughout the entire race (a feat not all relay teams can claim, I understand). Even though it may have pushed the rules a bit, one of the teens (Morgan) did a leg for us. I would love for the Olympic Club to allow kids to participate in the relay. Our boat was very generously lent to us by John Spaich, who owns Head North ski shop in Truckee and was ably skippered by our good ski team buddy Eric Magnusson and his 15 year old son Nick.
For me, and I think for my team....what is so amazing about this event is that it is truly a bonding experience and I feel so connected to people afterwards. Although kind of difficult after a long day, getting together afterwards with all the BAC teams is wonderful and is one of the things that makes BAC so very special. You also get to meet new people, such as Bart, who I just love. You also do not want the day to end. |
Cory’s Jumbucks 
Division: Open
Finishing Time - 4.00.08
Overall – 35/147
Team Members: Chris Butler, Cory Ferrara, David Lawson, Bob Lowney, Steve Pratt, Steve Ratzliff
Boat Captain: Garrett Smith |
Jumbuck, for the uninitiated, is Australian slang for a sheep. We are also told that it may involve something regarding New Zealanders but that is not confirmed. What is confirmed is that everything that has already been said regarding the Trans Tahoe Relay and the BAC relay teams was also very true for us. In fact, we share many of the same attributes of our team mates. We are, for example, an international and intergenerational team. David Lawson, Consul-General for Australia is our newest team member and his son James and Steve Pratt’s daughter Charlotte joined us for the race. We also improved as a team, setting a new time record. And this year, five of us were able to keep our swim suits on the entire time. What needs to be confessed, however, is that our team is probably the most spoiled and pampered of the BAC relay teams. You see, our captain, Garrett Smith, not only provides us with an excellent and comfortable boat which he expertly pilots, he also opens up his home to us (located a few yards from Skylandia) and we are able to enjoy his wonderful hospitality, for which we are all so grateful!
In closing, the Trans Tahoe Relay is a wonderful event that we are able to share with fantastic people, and which makes it a terrific and cherished experience for us all. |
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