Wreck2Reef returns with full program in 2023

Wreck2Reef organisers are running a full schedule of open water swims on the northern Bellarine this summer.

The 13th annual Wreck2Reef, Indented Head Yacht Club’s largest annual fundraiser, takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Back for the first time since 2020 is the 300-metre Dash for age 12 and under participants, while the 800-metre Novice Swim replaces the 500-metre Novice Swim from 2020.

Both events did not take place last summer due to a reduced program with COVID-19 restrictions, while the 2021 Wreck2Reef was cancelled due to a state-wide lockdown because of the pandemic.

Wreck2Reef race director Andrew Dix said it was nice to have a full program.

“Full program, so the 300-metre Dash for under 12s is back, as is (the 800-metre) novice event (is) open for all ages and registrations are open,” Dix said.

In 2020, Jasmine Lim won the 300-metre Dash in a time of five minutes and 10 seconds, while Ella McGuiness (10:41) won the 500-metre Novice swim.

Only the 2.5 kilometre and 1.25km swims went ahead last summer on the picturesque waters of Half Moon Bay at Indented Head.

The 2023 Wreck2Reef 2.5km open water swim kicks off the day at 9:30am, the 300-metre dash begins at 10:30am, the 1.2km open water swim gets underway at 10:50am and the 800-metre Novice swim starts at 12:10pm.

Dix said the Indented Head Yacht Club will run a BBQ and will serve coffee, while Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) will provide environmental activities for participants including beachcomb, flora and fauna activities on the day.

Registrations are open for this summer’s Wreck2Reef, log onto the Indented Head Yacht Club website ihyc.com.au/wreck-2-reef-event for more information.

Competitor numbers are capped at 300, and registrations will close once this number is reached.

This summer’s Wreck2Reef will be part of the Great Victorian Swim Series (GVSS) calendar.

Other GVSS event swims include the Point Leo Swim Classic, Rip View Swim Classic at Point Lonsdale, Danger 1000 at Torquay, Mornington Twilight, The Sorrento Bay Swim, MMAD Australia Day Swim, The OGSLSC Open Water Swim Festival at Ocean Grove, Brighton and Cerberus/Half Moon Bay.