THIS year’s edition of Portland’s leg of the Shipwreck Coast Swim Series was the second year of the event being named in honour of one of Portland swimming’s greatest figures, the late David Tapscott.

This year, Zac Tapscott had the opportunity to race in the race named in his father’s memory, saying it was a special occasion for his whole family.

“It was good fun out there in the water, but certainly not the easiest swim I’ve ever done,” Zac said.

“It’s very special to be able to take part in this event… we were pretty lucky we were able to give (dad) the news before he passed away.

“He’d tell you he was humbled by it, but I think we all know he was pretty stoked just the same.

“Growing up you always heard stories of the old man, and we could never come visit Portland without having someone stop us in the street.

“So having the event named after him is pretty special, and just the knowledge that he was able to have an impact on so many people, not just his own family.”

This was Tapscott’s second time returning to Portland to compete in the event, which includes a fundraiser for prostate cancer research, having done it last year as well, and he said he has plans to keep going into the future.

“The rest of the family was here to see the event, I was the only who competed, but it’s good that everyone has been able to get down this year,” he said.

“I’ve done it for two years now and my hope is to keep doing it every year into the future.”

Urquhart takes out top place

The overall winner of the full course was 16-year-old Tom Urquhart, who came in with a time of 15 minutes and 43 seconds, narrowly beating out last year’s winner Jude De Silva-Smith by just over three seconds.

Urquhart said there were “really nice conditions” out there on the day.

“It was a perfect place to swim, and I felt good in the water,” he said.

“I came second in the Port Fairy leg (of the Swim Series), so it was really pleasing to go one better.”

Urquhart, who hails from Ballarat, said he’s using these swims as an opportunity to gear up for a nationals event in short order.

In the female section it was Rachel Ward who came in first with a time of 16 minutes and nine seconds, while local swimmer Kirilee Chaplin came in first in the 18-34 senior category.

“It was beautiful in the water, the conditions were great, and it was like swimming in a bath,” she said.

“I’m planning on doing the full circuit, so we’ll be on to Warrnambool and then Port Campbell soon.”

The Warrnambool leg of the four-round series is next up on January 27, while Port Campbell will be the final event on February 4.