Young gun Max Coten ready to defend title in Albany Harbour Swim and Southern Ocean Classic Mile

Crowds of competitors are expected to hit the water in the Great Southern this weekend for two annual ocean swims.

The 2023 Albany Harbour Swim will be held on Saturday morning in Princess Royal Harbour while on Sunday the 2023 Southern Ocean Classic Mile will be contested at Denmark’s Ocean Beach.

Solo swimmers will complete the 4km journey in the Albany Harbour Swim that starts from the Princess Royal Sailing Club and ends at Anzac Peace Park.

Duo and quad teams can also take part in the swim that officially starts at 7.30am on April 8.

The event is run by the Albany Surf Lifesaving Club and young Perth swimmer Max Coten has won the past two editions of the race.

Albany Surf Life Saving Club president Carl Richardson said despite some wind forecast for Saturday they were confident of another successful event.

“We have over 110 people registered (on Wednesday),” Richardson said.

“So numbers are looking good and we are expecting a few more.

“Conditions are going to be OK, a 15-20km/h wind which will be a cross or slight tailwind.

“We have a strong local contingent, a lot who are members of the surf club swimming.”

It is expected that Coten will chase a hat-trick of titles.

The Southern Ocean Classic Mile is a 1600m open water swim starting at 10am at Ocean Beach on April 9.

There is $250 prize for the first placed male and female swimmers plus there are also age division prizes.

Nicole Hodgson, who is part of the Southern Ocean Classic Mile organising committee, said they were hopeful of 100-150 swimmers to hit the surf.

“It totally depends on conditions, people wait and see what it is like on the day so we do get last-minute entries,” Hodgson said.

“We have just over 90 entries so far, that’s pretty good for (Wednesday).

“Our swimming fraternity in Denmark seems to grow every year, we have more and more people interested.”

Coten backed up his Albany Harbour Swim victory by claiming top honours in the Southern Ocean Classic Mile the following day last year.

Nearly 30 swimmers from Denmark have registered while Hodgson confirmed that Coten will be back to defend his title.

Experienced ocean swimmer Rebekah Weller is another big name that will take part.