- Date19 Mar 2023
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About
Drenched in tradition, the legend of the Captain Christie Ocean Swim dates back to 1882. It is believed Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie took up his sailor's challenge to swim from Gerringong Boat Harbour around the rocky headland to Werri Beach - all for a bottle of the finest whisky. And he won.
Each year, swimmers relive Christie's swim in the Captain Christie open water event. Although only a 1.8km course, the swim is not an easy one and is better suited for those more confident ocean swimmers who are aware of rocks, currents and big swell.
Gerringong is a beautiful part of New South Wales to explore. Take some time out to relax, enjoy the beaches or head to the winery.
The Captain Christie Ocean Swim takes athletes back in time to celebrate Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie's legend.
First, swimmers will need to walk to the starting location for the swim, the boat ramp at Boat Harbour (don't be late to the registration as you need to factor in the walk).
Starting at the boat ramp, the course skirts the rock shelf around the headland from Gerrigong's Boat Harbour to Werri Beach.
While you're in Gerringong why not go and explore what the stunning coastal town has to offer.
Chill out at the beautiful beaches or go surfing at Werri Beach, considered one of the best surfing beaches on the South Coast. Bring your board from home or borrow one from a friend and surf at some of Australia's most beautiful beaches.
The Crooked River Winery is the perfect destination to enjoy wine from the area. Enjoy a free wine tasting in the most stunning setting overlooking the vineyard. If you've got time, relish a beautiful meal at the Crooked River Restaurant.
There are beach car parks and street parking near the beach, which, in regional fashion, is free.
Prize categories
14-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, Male/Female
Gallery
ONSHORE Podcast Episode
Details
- Event TypeOcean Swim
- VenueGerringong Boat Harbour
- Swim Distances1.8km
- Course Type/sPoint To Point
- Minimum Age/s14-years-old
- Entry Price Range$40 - 50
- Online Entries CloseSat, 18 Mar 2023 - 3pm
Pricing
- 1.8km - $40 ($50 on-the-day)
Schedule
- 7:00am - Registration opens
- 9:00am - Registration closes
- 9:15am - Swim briefing
- 10:00am - 1.8km start
Please note: You will need to walk over the hill to the swim start at Boat Harbour straight after the swim briefing. This is why entries close an hour early so please factor this into your timing on the day.
Manage your entry
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Location
Gerringong NSW, Australia
David Brodie
9 Jan 2022 at 1:20pmWell done for a hosting a great swim/event. I thought the lifesavers volunteers did a great job thankyou.
My only suggestion (not a criticism) is that perhaps you could have some storage secure area for swimmers to store their clothing bags etc whilst swimming.
ROD FROM Melbourne
9 Jan 2022 at 1:46pmGreat swim fantastic physical and psychotically challenge. Worth the 10 hour drive from Melbourne to attend.
John
9 Jan 2022 at 2:02pmGreat event. Loved it
Andrew Camfield
9 Jan 2022 at 2:34pmLove this event. Well organised, good distance & fantastic location & environment. Will always come back
Jill Pettifer
9 Jan 2022 at 5:47pmGreat event as always, well organised, plenty of support and guidance in the ocean, great conditions for this journey swim. Wonderful to see so many familiar and friendly faces. Thank you.
weizhen625
10 Jan 2022 at 9:50amWell organised event, beautiful course, plenty water safety. A nice little hike to the starting point, no shoes needed as you’ll be mostly walking on the grass. Loved it all.
Max
19 Mar 2023 at 6:45pmLoved it. Will be back next year and staying at cronins
Kate Morgan
19 Mar 2023 at 7:53pmGreat event and really well organised. Nice to see plenty of support craft along the way as well.
Such a beautiful place to swim!
Dan
19 Mar 2023 at 8:38pmExcellent event. The water safety is top notch. As is the rest of the organising. A special swim. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be back for more the next year for sure.
Glenn Muir
19 Mar 2023 at 9:15pmBeautiful swim. So relaxed. Plenty of water safety. Thank you. Five stars from me and a recommendation to anyone who is interested, yep, it’s worth the trip, it was a great swim, loved it, will go again.
Damo
20 Mar 2023 at 10:47amWhat a beautiful swim. The weather was fantastic.
Agree with others, the organizers and ocean safety crew were friendly and great.
Only issue was the group start was a bit chaotic with people swimming over each other.
Hetty Allen
20 Mar 2023 at 12:09pmI was unable to finish the swim due to severe “sea sickness” The club volunteers on boards were so aware & caring, knowing I really wanted to finish the race, waiting patiently for me to hopefully recover enough to do so. Unfortunately I had to concede to failure & was transferred to the skidoo & then helped by more caring clubbies & the local doctor who looked after me magnificently. Slow to recover, they called for an ambulance to cover all bases. Many thanks to all involved in my episode.. I’m truly grateful. Thankfully no problems found during hospital tests .. just a bad case of motion sickness.
Barton
24 Mar 2023 at 6:21amGreat event. Well organised and lots of water safety on the swim. Great community involvement. Only suggestion is to get the presentation happening a bit sooner.