Nearly 100 swimmers triumphed over a challenging course and a choppy sea on Sunday afternoon when they completed the crossing from Caldey Island to Tenby, raising thousands of pounds for the RNLI in the process. This was the second year that the Caldey Swim has been organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), which has staged the town's legendary Boxing Day Swim for over 40 years. Double the size of 2013's pilot swim, the event looks set to get better and better, said TSSA chairman Chris Osborne. "Open water swimming is definitely a growing trend, and we have an iconic location in which to host it," he said. "The fact that nearly half of those taking part have come from outside Pembrokeshire shows that we have already established a highly-regarded event, which sits well within the county's great summer of sport." TSSA committee member Val Coates Rees was the official starter for the 2.5-mile crossing from Caldey's Priory Bay. And within 54 minutes, Tenby's own Olly Simon, the top triathlete and Ironman, repeated his success of last year's swim when he was first home, led by a longboat from Tenby Rowing Club. "It was quite choppy to the first buoy, but once we got past that it was fine," said Olly, who was closely followed by Jake Jenkins, of Saundersfoot, and Paul Slack, of Tenby. The first ladies home were Tonia Forsyth and Erika Malein, with the final swimmer out of the finishing field of 95 coming ashore in an hour and 55 minutes. Medals were presented by Tenby's Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, along with the vice-chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Wynne Evans, and his consort, Gwyneth Johns. "It's been wonderful to see so many people in the water - I think every one of them is phenomenal," said Clr. Lane. "I know quite a few of today's swimmers will be taking part in Ironman Wales, and I would like to wish them, and all the other entrants, the very best of luck." Added Clr. Evans: "It's absolutely fabulous - another terrific event in a wonderful town." The swim was sponsored by Princes Gate Water, Big Brum's, Milford Haven Port Authority and SkyCam Wales, and Mr. Osborne added his thanks to all the organisations, individuals and groups who had assisted with the vital safety cover for the swim.