Some 20 teams of all ages and abilities turned up to swim their best, knowing the handicap system puts all teams on an equal playing field. The final reflected that – with teams representative of all present: the Women’s Land Army, the Doggy Paddlers, Team Number One (a team of blokes) and In Sink (a mixed bag of young at heart!).
The Cup honours Ian Boyle, an inspirational friend and mentor to so many, who always encouraged those around him to be the best version of themselves. This year a team ‘Boyley’s Flower Power’, colleagues of Ian, competed for the first time and we hope to see them back again next year. Thank you to the Boyle family for the much sought-after winner’s Towels, they are treasured forever and often come out on Cup night.
The three-second rule
The Boyley Cup favours consistency throughout the night, and therefore encourages young and old to swim regularly. The three-second rule is there to assist with that. Unfortunately – and amazingly – some junior teams swim faster throughout the night, carried away by sheer enthusiasm and encouragement from the poolside. We were very sorry to have to use that rule on the Doggy Paddlers in the final, where they swam seven seconds faster than they had all night on their seventh swim, and touched first. Hope to see you back next year to have another crack at the title!
Thanks to many, fun for all
Thank you to all our sponsors: the Kangaroo Valley Voice for $500 towards running the event; Kangaroo Valley Electrical for sponsoring the fastest team – $100 going to Team Number One; The Heavens Mountain Escape ($80) for Most Senior Team (Grey Matter, yet again – their combined age over 300, amazing!); and the Youngest Team ($40) the Diving Dolphins – Georgia, Zali, Matilda and Amelia.
First prize this year, winning the fabulous Towels, were In Sink – Harry, Charlie, Patrice and anchored by Jemima. Second place to Team Number One and third to the Women’s Land Army. Well done the winners – and all participants.
The Lions Club has supported us from the beginning and again kept our energy levels up with warm drinks, homemade slices and the sausage sizzle. Thank you so much, you are an integral part of the night. The Boyley Cup this year raised more than $700 for the KV Lions Club.
As usual, we had a great team of helpers, with the evening flowing seamlessly so that the event was finished by 8.00 pm. Special thanks to Intan for recording the night in photos available to all on the Boyley Cup Facebook page.
All are welcome for 24 February 2026. Remember, swimming ability is with you for your entire life!
Alison Baker
