To the event itself, the race was eventually held in choppy conditions, thanks to a strong nor-east breeze of between 15-20 knots. Australian 5km open-water swimming champion Jarrod Poort proved too good, the 19-year-old winning the State Bay of Islands Classic in 40 minutes, 8 seconds, a mere 22 seconds ahead of Auckland's Phillip Ryan.
Poort made his move about 1500m out from the finish, showing the form that saw him finish in 5th place in the 5km open water race at this year's World Championships in Barcelona.
The women's race saw 15-year-old Schendelaar-Kemp easily winning by over two minutes from Auckland compatriot, Liana Smith, by finishing in 47 minutes 10 seconds.
More than 900 swimmers registered for the four events on offer in the second round of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, a record number in this, the fifth time the event's being held. Apart from the 3.3km 'I'm Going Long' swim from Russell to Paihia, the other swims included the 3000m Give it a Go, 1000m Step it Up and and State Kids 200m swim, all completed on a course set up near the Paihia foreshore.
More from the event, with the focus on the efforts by Far North locals will feature in Thursday's edition.