VRC Open Water Races

Next Race:

VRC Chung Yeung Festival Swimming Race

Deep Water Bay

Wednesday October 29 (Public Holiday) 

Race Information

1. Key Dates 

• Early Bird Registration Opens until 14 October (23.59 pm)

• Regular Registration Opens until 21 October (23.59 pm)

• Late Registration Opens until 23 October (23.59 pm)

• Final Information email sent on October 27

• Race Day = 29 October 

• Back up date, inclement weather = 2 November 

2. Race Location & Course

Races will start and finish from the Victoria Recreation Club in Deep Water Bay

There will be two races to choose from, please refer to course description and maps below;

If race courses changes, this will be communicated in the pre-race email. 

Short Course = 1.5 km

• 7.30 am - 8.00 am = Race Registration

• 8.10 am = Race Briefing

• 8.15 am = Race Start

• 9.30 am = Awards

• Start = Mass start from water adjacent to VRC Pontoon 

• Direction = Anti Clockwise 

• Buoy 1 = Country Club yellow fixed buoy

• Buoy 2 = Inflatable buoy

• Keep all buoys on left shoulder side 

• Finish = Climb out ladder onto pontoon

Long Course = 3.00 km

• 8.15 am - 9.00 am = Race Registration

• 9.10 am = Race Briefing

• 9.15 am = Race Start

• 10.45 am = Awards

• Start = Mass start from water adjacent to VRC Pontoon 

• Direction =  Anti Clockwise 

• Buoy 1 = Country Club yellow fixed buoy

• Buoy 2 = Pumping Station yellow fixed buoy

• Buoy 3 = Inflatable buoy 

• Buoy 4 = Inflatable buoy (Keep buoy 4 on RIGHT side shoulder)

• Keep buoys 1,2,3 on left should side and buoy 4 on right side shoulder

• Finish = Climb out ladder onto pontoon

3. Race Entry Fee 

Short Course 

Early bird registration= $350

Regular registration = $430

Late Registration = $450

Long Course 

Early bird registration= $400

Regular registration = $480

Late Registration = $500

Entry Fee includes the following: 

• 1 race entry (timing chip system will be used for both races) 

• Swimmer souvenir (first 200 registers)

• Post race drink and snack 

• Medals and prizes for top 3 finishers in each category 

4. Race Age Groups  

There will be prizes for male and female for the following age group in both races

Age based on date of race

• 13-17 

• 18-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60 - 69

Swimmers 70+  years should email event organizer to register

 5. Post Race and Awards 

• Food and drinks will be available to purchase post race

• Awards presentation will take place shortly after each race

 6. Awards / Prizes 

• Trophies / Medals / Prizes will be presented to the top 3 persons in each age and gender category for both races

• Prizes for top 3 overall males and females in the 1.5 km and 3km race 

 7. Race Rules 

• By signing up to this race, participants agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations (below)

• Swimmers must be physically fit to enter this race

• Swimmers may be requested to provide evidence of swimming competency including proof or previous open water races 

• Swimmers must wear a swim buoy for entire race (no other swim aids including wetsuits or floatation devices are permitted)

• Swimmers must wear a race timing chip on wrist and have race number on body

• Swimmers must follow the guidence of safety kayakers and safety boat race offcials and lifeguards 

• Swimmers must present pre-race email and identity proof on race day registration 

Swimmers must meet the cut off times below, failure to do so will result in swimmers boarding the safety boat. 

1.5 km Race

• Race cut off time = 50 minutes 

•  First yellow fixed buoy cut off time = 17 mins

3 km Race

• 3 km race cut off time = 1 hr 15 mins 

• Race checkpoint one cut off time at first yellow fixed buoy  = 15 mins

• Race check point two cut off time at 2nd yellow fixed buoy = 36 mins 

8. Rules and Regulations 

By signing up to this race, swimmer agrees to the following;

I hereby certify that I am physically fit and proper health to participate this race. I declare that I am proficient in swimming to participate in the my selected race distance and do not suffer from any illness that renders me unfit for the above mentioned activity.

In consideration of the foregoing, I, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do hereby waive and release any and all rights, claims, and causes of action damages and orders for costs, I have or may have against the VRC or any of its committee members, all its sponsors, promoters, supporters, other Club Members or their lawful visitors, and/or other officials and all other contributors from liability for negligence, the condition of the premises and/or other liability arising from  injury, death, loss, damage and/or costs  that  I may suffer as a result of participating in this swim race with the VRC. Further, I grant permission to the VRC or its agents to use my photographs, video, or any other record of my participation in VRC activities for any lawful purpose (including the use of my e-mail address for use by the Club and its Members for bona fide Club purposes).

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the warning and waiver above and agree to release and forever hold harmless from any liability, suit or action howsoever arising from the VRC in the event of my injury and/or death. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age; or if I am under 18, my parent or legal guardian has agreed to the terms of this waiver form.

Lost or Damaged Equipment:

I acknowledge that I am responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to the water sports equipment provided by Victoria Recreation Club. I agree to notify the staff immediately in case of loss, damage, or theft. I understand that I may be held liable for the repair or replacement costs of the equipment, as determined by Victoria Recreation Club.

Insurance:

I understand and acknowledge that Victoria Recreation Club does not provide insurance coverage for personal injury, loss, theft, or damage to personal property. I am responsible for obtaining any necessary insurance coverage to protect myself and my personal belongings.

Agreement to Follow Rules and Instructions:

I agree to abide by all rules, regulations, and instructions provided by Victoria Recreation Club and its staff. I understand that failure to comply with these rules may result in my immediate removal from the activity without refund.

By signing up to this race, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in Rules and Regulations.