Reply to David

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Hey David, they're quite specific with the sharkfest requirements
that the entry speed of 40min/mile is a pool time so I think you
should be fine without having a timed open water run.  I've
uploaded the recent open water swims that I've done to RunKeeper
(using my Timex Global Trainer, under my swim cap), and they
show that my speed in choppy open water, wearing a wetsuit is
about 120s/100y (even though I *can* swim as fast as 90s/100y on
a sprint in a pool, even long course, that's not far off my
"easy" pace). 

The main hard things are:
a) breathing in the wetsuit, especially if it's tight,
b) not taking in water when breathing,
c) staying on course,
d) the first 5-10 minutes (ie until your mammalian dive
   reflex kicks in) 

The first triathlon I did, I actually found it really
difficult to breathe; could barely make two strokes before
I needed to breathe (swimming freestyle), and thankfully I
figured out near the end that I could swim in a straighter
line and that it was easier to breathe swimming breaststroke. 
I even managed to pull away from the group I was stuck with,
and emerged to spectator's cheer.

Good luck to you all, and I'll look out for you afterwards.