Fred Knight's Account of the 2002

Short Version | | | Overall Results | | | Male Results | | | Female Results | | | Race Stats
Details of the Swim: Pre-race, The Start, The Race, The Finish
Swimmers | | | List of All Pictures New (2 Sep 02) | | | Comments on the Race | | | Acknowledgments

 

First Place	Second Place	Third Place
Marcia Cleveland	Nicholas Sidelnik	Scott Lautman

The Boston Light Swim (BLS) is an annual 10-mile swim in Boston harbor starting at the Boston Lighthouse on Little         Brewster Island and ending at the M Street Bathhouse.  This year's  BLS was particularly outstanding with 11 of 12 solo swimmers finishing with excellent times.  Favorable weather and a start 5.5 hours before high tide in the early morning (7:30 am) allowed times that were 1-2 hours faster than the two previous years. From the race's beginning, the top three finishers took the lead---and extended it throughout the race to turn in stupendous times.  Female and overall winner Marcia Cleveland (2h47m) is a world-class open-water swimmer, having written of her English Channel swim in the book Dover Solo.  Newcomer and male winner Nicholas Sidelnik (2h48m) is a member of the MIT swimming team (400 IM and 1,650 free conference champion as a freshman in 2002) and budding open-water enthusiast. Scott Lautman, third place (2h53m), traveled from Seattle to add the Boston Light to his many swimming accomplishments, which include Manhattan Island, Mercer Island in Puget Sound, and the English Channel. Another group of swimmers that consisted of the next four finishers and Fred Schlicher, who dropped out because of the cold late in the race, stayed close together throughout the race.  In the last hour of the swim, Tim Kulka (3h17m) and Victor Maldonado (3h17m), who tied for 4th and 5th and are local swimmers who train together in Cambridge, caught and passed Kate Matwychuk (3h19m) and Fred Knight (3h19m) to end a mere two minutes ahead.  The two relays stayed together throughout the race and finished only three minutes apart at 3h30m and 3h33m. A few minutes later, effervescent Cece Buchanan finished at 3h37m.  Gutsy performances by Ajae Clearway (4h05m, wet suit), Orin McCluskey (4h06m), and Susan Yoemans (4h13m, wet suit), the oldest competitor at 54, made up the final three finishes at just over 4 hours.

By starting 5.5 hours before high tide, there was good current in the outer harbor and, more importantly, a slight positive current at the end of the race from Thompson Island into the finish line, allowing all swimmers to make good progress into the finish.  The water temperature ranged from 62^o F at the start to 65^o F at the finish, as recorded by Melanie Knight.  As in the past, there was a dearth of escort boats, and the two relays stayed together through the race with one escort boat.  The day was cool and overcast, but the swim went very well with good competition and high spirits at the finish.  Next year's swim will again be on L Street Day next August.

Overall (back to top)
 

1. Marcia Cleveland, 38, Riverside, CT, 2:47 (2 hrs 47 min) 2. Nicholas Sidelnik, 20, Overland Park, KS, 2:48 3. Scott Lautman, 49, Seattle, WA, 2:53 4. Tim Kulka, 32, Watertown, MA, 3:17 4. Victor Maldonado, 38,Watertown, MA, 3:17 6. Kate Matwychuk, 31, Middlebury, VT, 3:19 6. Fred Knight, 52, Wayland, MA, 3:19 8. Cecelia Buchanan, 26, Jamaica Plain, MA, 3:37 *. Ajae Clearway, 31, Brooklyn, NY, 4:05 (wet suit) 9. Orin McCluskey, 51, New York, NY, 4:06 *. Susan Yoemans, 54, New York, NY, 4:13 (wet suit) Relay, 3:30     Jennifer Dutton, 33, Framingham, MA     Dave Kramer, 28, Jamaica Plain, MA     John Werner, 32, Dorchester, MA Relay, 3:33     Tom Dugan, 50, Norton, MA     Rob Simms, 47, Cohasset, MA     Joe Carson, 38, Dorchester, MA Fred Schlicher, 52, Medford, MA, DNF

Female (back to top) 1. Marcia Cleveland, 38, Riverside, CT, 2:47 (2 hrs 47 min) 2. Kate Matwychuk, 31, Middlebury, VT, 3:19 3. Cecelia Buchanan, 26, Jamaica Plain, MA, 3:37 *. Ajae Clearway, 31, Brooklyn, NY, 4:05 (wet suit) *. Susan Yoemans, 54, New York, NY, 4:13 (wet suit)

Male (back to top) 1. Nicholas Sidelnik, 20, Overland Park, KS, 2:48 2. Scott Lautman, 49, Seattle, WA, 2:53 3. Tim Kulka, 32, Watertown, MA, 3:17 3. Victor Maldonado, 38,Watertown, MA, 3:17 5. Fred Knight, 52, Wayland, MA, 3:19 6. Orin McCluskey, 51, New York, NY, 4:06 DNF Fred Schlicher, 52, Medford, MA

Based on the difficult ending last year, collective experience, and thorough analysis, the Race Committee decided that starting early was best.  The assumed benefits were maintaining a current assist throughout the race, avoiding waves from boat traffic, and less chance of sunburn.  The start was set for 7:30 am, more than 5.5 hours before high tide.  During the first half of the race, inflowing current in the outer harbor was increasing to its peak of about 1 knot, generally in the direction of the swim.  As a result, swimming time to the Long Island bridge was similar to last year, under 2 hours for most swimmers.  During the second half of the race, having an assisting current in the inner harbor avoided the frustration of swimming against the current especially in the home stretch past Thompson Island.  The early start time (relative to high tide and early in the morning) paid off as times were great and 11 of 12 solo swimmers finished.

Water temperature was recorded throughout the race by Melanie Knight, 15, of Wayland, MA.  These temperatures are a few degrees higher than last year but well under the water temperature reported from Boston harbor buoy thst I had hoped would be a good predictor.

Time	Location	Water Temp	Comments
7:30 am	Little Brewster Island	62 oF	Warmer than last year's 58.
8:20 am	Georges Island	64 oF
9:25 am	Long Island bridge	65 oF
10:00 am	Thompson Island	65 oF	Felt warmer than last year.
10:25 am	halfway betw Thompson Is and finish	65 oF
10:52 am	finish, M Street Beach	65 oF

Pre-race(back to top) All but one of the escort boats made it to the start on time, and the race started on time.  Following our trip out (~ 40 minutes), we joined the boat congregation abeam of the Boston Lighthouse.  I had my wife Ann, daughter Melanie, boat driver Harry Minucci, and his girlfriend Nancy for support in the boat. On the trip out Harry and I had acquainted ourselves with landmarks to head for during the swim, particularly at the end.  We arrived third at about 7:10.  Melanie Knight measured the water temperature at 62^oF, dashing hopes for the advertised 66^oF but alerting us that it was warmer than last year.  The preliminary horn blast came at 7:25. I sprang into action: doffed my shoes and sweat pants, pulled on my brand new suit (a tradition), put on my pink cap, and gobbed Vaseline in my armpits and neck.  After cleaning my fingers, I put on my goggles.  From John Werner, "10 seconds...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...horn blast," and I jumped in.

 

Getting ready for the trip out to Boston Light at 6:30 am.

The Start (back to top) At the start horn, 12 solo swimmers and two relay swimmers jumped overboard for the bracing start.  With the wind near 10 kts, the waves were manageable, and swells were slight except for a few areas over the first 4 miles.  Within 10 minutes, I could see by looking up between the waves that a few boats were moving away from me, indicating some swimmers were going much faster.  I got into a rhythm and didn't push too hard, pacing myself and hoping for a faster swim than last year.

The Race (back to top) Initially I got apprehensive about not making good enough progress and mentally kept dividing the race into the four quarters: to Georges Island, to Long Island, to Thompson Island, and to the finish.  Reaching the tip of Georges Island came quickly enough.  I was alone, but, as we approached Rainsford, I picked up Fred Schlicher just in front and Kate Matwychuk to the side, both of whom I recognized by their boats.  We stayed together for another hour, jockeying back and forth laterally.  Fred remained in front, but I gained some on Kate.  I skirted Rainsford in the shallows and felt some slimy floating stuff below the surface.  (In talking after the race, Victor speculated it was jellyfish.)  At about 1h30m, I stopped to drink, which took more time than I wanted.  I had to manuever to the boat, and the juice bottle had too small a spout---have to get a better system!  During the stop, which also included a potty pause, Kate caught me.  We remained together until the bridge---what I hoped was the halfway point---1h49m by my watch.  I had a good pace and my arms were doing fine.

Past the bridge in the open water approaching Spectacle Island off to the right, the water is choppy---for me the beginning of the worst part of the race two years ago.  Last year the waves just kept getting worse all the way to the end, but in 2000 things got better after Thompson.  The chop was bad; Kate and I were still close to each other, but I think I took a bit better path.  Fred S. was still in front by a few minutes.  I skirted close to Thompson, saw mussels on the bottom, and again felt the slimy stuff---no ill effects and a good diversion.

Just before Thompson, another boat joined us.  At first, I thought it a spectator boat (ha! ha!).  Then I thought it was the relay escort boat, because it was passing me very slowly.  With Kate still near me, Fred presumably in front, three rabbits way out in front, and now another boat passing, I didn't feel much like taking another break.  Then there was progress.  I saw the white handball courts with the apartment building behind it, aligned as Harry and I had anticipated.  And the white courts were definitely getting larger.  The other boat had gone ahead.  It must be the relay!

The Finish (back to top) So the end was in sight, and I began to estimate the time remaining.  Finishing was the goal.  No second stop. I'm sure I had to pee.  Kate was behind but near...and closing maybe.  Then I saw the FINISH banner.  But Kate was coming closer.  I had been slowly picking up the pace.  My arms were aching.  With the beach in sight I could feel Kate's escort boat just behind.  She must be close.  No butterfly at the finish this year.  I managed to keep just ahead of Kate as we reached the beach.  Ace judge John Langton called it a tie.  Fair enough.  A great ending.  I grabbed a sweatshirt and towel from Melanie, and they took off to return the boat to Columbia Yacht Club.  Then I saw another boat with Tim and Victor at the water's edge.  So they were with the other boat!  We gave hearty congratulations all around.  I found out about the three great swimmers who came in under three hours. Wow, were they fast!

Tim and Victor were tied for fourth; Kate and I for sixth.  All four of us wanted showers.  Unfortunately the outside ones were off.  We guys found the men's locker room and reminisced under warm water for ten minutes.  Tim and Victor had stayed together for the entire race.  Last year I beat Victor by 4 minutes; this year he beat me by 2 minutes.  We agreed that this year was definitely easier---especially at the end.  I went outside, got affectionate greetings from Ann and Melanie, and found Cece who had just finished.  The relays had come in also.  Only three swimmers were left.  Harry and Nancy stopped by after securing the boat.  What a fine crew!  Ajae, Orin, and Susan, the final three swimmers, came in soon.  The end of a successful Boston Light Swim.

From the race's beginning, the top three finishers took the lead---and extended it throughout the race to turn in stupendous times.  Another group of swimmers that consisted of the next four finishers and Fred Schlicher, who dropped out because of the cold late in the race, stayed close together throughout the race.  The two relays stayed together throughout the race and finished only three minutes apart at 3h30m and 3h33m, followed closely a few minutes later by Cece Buchanan (3h37m).  Then came Ajae Clearway (4h05m, wet suit), Orin McCluskey (4h06m), and Susan Yoemans (4h13m, wet suit), the oldest competitor at 54, to make up the final three finishes at just over 4 hours.
 

Place	Solo Swimmer	Time	BLS	Comments
1	Marcia Cleveland	2h47m	'02	World-class open-water swimmer, having written of her English Channel swim in the book Dover Solo.
2	Nicholas Sidelnik	2h48m	'02	Rising sophomore at MIT.  Two conference championships: 400 IM (4:09) and 1,650 free (16:31) as a freshman in 2002.  Setting his sights on more open-water swims.
3	Scott Lautman	2h53m	'02	Traveled from Seattle to add the Boston Light to his many swimming accomplishments, which include Manhattan Island, Mercer Island in Puget Sound, and the English Channel.
4	Tim Kulka	3h17m	'02	Competitive swimmer from Watertown, first BLS, enticed by friend Victor Maldonado
4	Victor Maldonado	3h17m	'01, '02	Competitive swimmer from Watertown.  Supported by his father, Victor Sr., again this year.
6	Kate Matwychuk	3h19m	'97, '98, '02	Returning after a 3-year absence.  She kept me going!
6	Fred Knight	3h19m	'00, '01, '02	Interested in doing more swims, especially in NE lakes.
8	Cece Buchanan	3h37m	'02	Trained on both coasts, from San Francisco to the Atlantic
WS	Ajae Clearway	4h05m	'02	First trip to the BLS.
9	Orin McCluskey	4h06m	'02	Experienced in the Manhattan Island swim.
WS	Susan Yoemans	4h13m	'01, '02	A great competitor,coming back from last year's defeat from the cold water.
DNF	Fred Schlicher		'99, '00, '02	Fred was leading the 4/7-place group past Thompson when he succumbed to the cold.  Great speech at the dinner.
Young Relay	Jennifer Dutton, Dave Kramer, John Werner,	3h30m	'97-'02=6! '02 '99-'02	Two veterans with a rookie (Dave) whose boss (John) needed another swimmer, maybe?
Old Relay	Tom Dugan, Rob Simms, Joe Carson	3h33m	many! '02 '02	Long-time swimmer Tom teaming up with two local boys.

Overall the race went very well.  As in the past, finding boats was a problem, so the Race Committee is trying to keep captains' names on file for next year.  We also need better information for the captains.  In addition to maps, we need sighting lines, especially at the end where the handball courts aligned with the tall apartment building worked for me.  Better publicity may attract more participants; keeping the website going will be a good location from which information can be distributed.  The new start time (5.5 hours before high tide to catch the current throughout the race) is a good idea.  Starting early in the day to avoid boat traffic and keeping at least 4 hours before high tide sounds good.

For a fourth consecutive year, John Werner organized another successful Boston Light Swim.  Information can now come from the permanent website, www.bostonlightswim.org.  The pre-race dinner remains an important forum to ready swimmers for the race.  My wife, daughter, captain, and mate on my escort boat were particularly encouraging throughout the race and kept me pointed in the right direction.  I missed swimming with my oldest daughter Celia this year, but the competition was great throughout the race.  I hope I'll be ready for a fourth swim next year.

See all the pictures at List of All Pictures New (2 Sep 02)