Stewart thanks supporter for successful Escape

While Mother Nature was a big factor in the successful staging of last Saturday’s 6th Annual Escape from Managaha Island, Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart said the crossing wouldn’t have been possible without the help from friends.

“I would like to thank the crew and staff of Jade Lady III for their help in this event. Without them providing transportation to Managaha Island none of these types of weekend events would have been possible,” he said.

Stewart said others that played a huge role in last Saturday’s Escape were Marianas Visitors Authority staff Frank Tudela, officers from Division of Boating Safety, and staff of the Commonwealth Ports Authority.

The SSC head coach said that after some initial worries he was happy that the Escape went through without a hitch last Saturday.

“I was a bit worried about this week’s weather, thinking this springtime event is cursed—as we had to postpone last year’s swim. However, the weather held off for the most part, just a few rainsqualls before and during the swim. The waves were the biggest factor, was very choppy, and windy, so the conditions were much more challenging for the athletes swimming.”

Stewart added that the turnout was fine, although it was a little lower than he wanted. He said considering the weekend’s weather and other island activities that pulled a few potential swimmers away, all and all the Escape was a success and everyone who took part experienced a great day of swimming.

None probably more than cancer survivor Mary Anne Stewart who once again took part in the Escape after inspiring everyone in her first Managaha Island to Micro Beach crossing last year.

“Mary Ann is, as she should be, continues to be an inspiration to me and many others here. She is surviving a most dreaded situation and still living life to the fullest. Which in itself should be a great lesson to all of us—‘One day at a time, babe, one day at a time,’” said Michael Stewart.

Lester Lapuz and Sarah Johnson were the first out of the water in last Saturday’s Escape with times of 43 minutes flat and 42:21, respectively. The other top finishers were Kai Staal (43:27) and Colin Thompson (43:43) for the men and Grace Kimbal (45:31) and Mamiko Shimizu (48:58) for the women.