Maui Channel Swim

The Woodlands Channel Surfers (with Finish Strong members - Charlie Schuber and Suzanne Devore along with Tim Floyd, Nancy Schuber, David Prasifka, and Deb Nunnalle) came in 4th in the Mixed Makule division of the Maui Channel Swim held on September 1 with a time of 5:22:34.

Here's a report from Charlie:  "This race is a timed relay with six swimmers per team. At the start of the race, each swimmer swims half-hour legs until all team members have raced. Then each swimmer swims a 10-minute leg until they cross the finish line. Every team has a dedicated escort boat. The boat captain acts as the navigator for each team. Swimmers compete in seven categories based on the ages and sexes of the team members.  The race course officially starts at the pier at Club Lanai on the island of Lanai and ends on the beach in front of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on the island of Maui.  The distance between start and finish as "the bird flies" is approximately 9.9 miles.  As noted, the actual distance swum is longer depending on currents, winds, etc.  Each team is responsible for their own navigation and, as such, at various points during the race, escort boats of all shapes and sizes dot the horizon with everyone thinking they have the shortest route.  Depending on conditions, the fastest teams finish in 3 to 4 hours.  The race has a time limit of 8 hours and it is not uncommon that teams do not finish."  (source Maui Channel Swim Race Site)