TCI: “Race for the Conch” Back With 101 Swimmers

#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – COVID forced the cancellation of the 2020 “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim, but not this year. Conditions could not have been more perfect on Saturday June 26, 2021 for the 11th annual open water swim race in Grace Bay. 101 swimmers took part in the one mile and half mile events that ran along the shore from Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe to just past the Venetian Resort and back. An additional 15 youngsters under 11 years swam in the 100 meter Children’s Swim.  

Co-Race Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann implemented several COVID mitigation measures to get clearance, including a requirement that all athletes had to show a vaccination card or take an antigen test on the spot before registering or checking in. Swimmers supported the forward leaning actions as a small inconvenience for the thrill of getting to race through TCI’s turquoise waters.   

“We didn’t do much promotion of the race this year because of the uncertainties,” said Ben Stubenberg. “So we were truly amazed and happy that so many local and foreign swimmers signed up. We were particularly impressed that many young local swimmers had practiced hard to get ready for the race and held their own.” Chloe Zimmerman added, “We wanted to make this happen. Every swimmer who comes to TCI and swims through our beautiful, clear water knows it doesn’t get better. Huge thanks to all the swimmers, sponsors, providers, and volunteers who made this race happen. You rock!”

This year saw another fast field of swimmers with American Drew Modrov winning the men’s division in the one mile in a blazing 20 minutes 21 seconds. American Genny Jordan won the women’s division with a brilliant time of 22 minutes and 46 seconds. In the half mile, American Eric Erenstopft finished in speedy 11 minutes and 56 seconds, while another American, Beth Stuble finished in a super fast 12 minutes and 8 seconds. Many young local swimmers gained valuable experience in open water swim racing, as they started alongside these and other top swimmers.

Once again, the Race Directors presented conch medals and conch trophies made by local artists Stanford Handfield and Lucie Stubbs respectively. Evans Joseph (Keep it Xtraordinary) printed the T-shirts locally as well. In keeping with the “Eco-SeaSwim” name of the race, the Race Directors welcomed Turks & Caicos Reef Fund to promote reef protection, while Stream2Sea provided reef safe sunscreen for swimmers.  

Special thanks to Sports Commission for valuable advisory support.

Next year’s race takes place on Saturday June 25, 2022. Information on the race can be found at www.ecoseaswim.com

Along with dedicated volunteers, race directors want to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors and service providers who did so much to make this a success: Grace Bay Club, Hartling Group, Surfside Ocean Academy, Accu Diagnostics, Finishing Touch, Turks & Caicos Reservations, Carolina Medical

Centre, Provo Ambulance, Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography, Bay

Bistro, Got-U-Covered,, Blue Loos, TC Crystal Water, NUUN rehydration, Marco Travel, and Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures.