Champ Max Coten to defend Albany Harbour Swim crown, while the Southern Ocean Classic Mile is cancelled

Open water swim star and three-time Albany Harbour Swim champion Max Coten will return to the city to defend his crown against more than 120 eager swimmers at the 2024 event this weekend.

The event is organised by the Albany Surf Life Saving Club who are expecting the biggest participation numbers yet with 140 swimmers set to run into the waves at Princess Royal Harbour on Saturday.

In years past, the Albany event is the day before Denmark’s Southern Ocean Classic Mile with swimmers travelling to the Great Southern’s shores to tackle both events.

However, the Southern Ocean Classic Mile will not go ahead this year due to ongoing developments on the sea wall at Ocean Beach.

In the Albany Harbour Swim, solo competitors will journey 4km starting at 7.30am at Princess Royal Sailing Club before reaching the finish line at Anzac Peace Park.

Duo and quad teams are also able to take part in the event.

The event drew 108 swimmers to Albany in 2023 but ASLC’s Nick Walker said this year is set to crush previous participation numbers with weather conditions looking very favourable.

“Numbers are looking great, we already have 116 people (on Tuesday) and we are expecting over 130 this year which is 30 more than last year,” Walker said.

“Things can change but right now it’s looking perfect with light winds and a little south-east in it so it should be behind swimmers.

“Everyone is looking forward to an even better year but for those who feel the cold, swimmers will be treated to some hot soup and coffee specials.”

Registrations for the event are still open and swimmers are encouraged to sign up prior to race day to secure their spot.