Wreck2Reef adds new course to line-up

THE ninth annual Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim Classic at Indented Head next month will include an exciting new 2.5-kilometre course.

The much anticipated community event on February 11 promises to have an event for everyone.

The 2.5-kilometre swim will be held one hour earlier than the other events, and follows the Indented Head coastline past the wreck of the Ozone paddle steamer, and finishes at the same point as all other swims.

Initiated in 2010, the Wreck2Reef is held in the protected waters of Half Moon Bay, which offers some of the smoothest and safest water available to competitors in Port Phillip.

In addition to the classic 1.2-kilometre swim, 2017 saw the introduction of a short novice 500-metre swim to encourage those who have not entered an organised swim before, or were not comfortable attempting the larger distance, get involved and see an achievable goal.

There is also a 300-metre swim for juniors, which includes a fun beach dig for cash and prizes.

The Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim Classic is hosted and co-ordinated each year by the Indented Head Yacht Club.

From inception, two aims have underpinned Wreck2Reef – to provide an event that showcases the Northern Bellarine, and raise much needed funds to support healthy activities for the youth of the local area.

John Walter said Indented Head Yacht Club was committed to bringing the joy and healthy activity of sailing to youth, especially where there might be social economic considerations that hinder affordability of purchasing a yacht and associated safety equipment to sail.

“Although we are not a swimming club, Wreck2Reef has facilitated the ability to generate the funds necessary to support an expansion of our youth sail training program,” he said.

“Each year, we use the net proceeds to purchase a number of training yachts including Minnows, Optis, Sabres and Lasers, as well as the associated safety equipment to go with them.

“We have also purchased several Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) that we use to monitor safety of sailors on the water and to provide on water coaching.”

Book online to receive discounted entry fees via wreck2reef.com.au.