Cape Paterson Aquathon kicks off Bass Coast Series

The Bass Coast Series kicks off this weekend with the Cape Paterson Aquathon on Sunday January 18.

Since the first event 30 years ago, the Cape Paterson Aquathon has been a major fundraiser for the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (Cape Paterson SLSC), these days attracting hundreds of competitors from across the country.

The race on January 18 – 400 metre swim and 4.4km run – is the 28th Cape Paterson Aquathon (it did not run the two years of Covid) and is expected to attract over 300 competitors.

Paul MacNeill, Cape Paterson SLSC President, said the event is growing every year – both in numbers and stature.

“We are really starting to notice in the Bass Coast Series the number of professional athletes is growing,” he said.

“Being the only true ocean surf swim is something people in the competitive landscape get very excited about.”

Paul said registration numbers were ahead of last year, including some from as far away as Perth, so they are on track for a big event.

“We usually see a lot of registrations coming through in the last week, so we’re expecting over 300 to take part.

“On the day you will see the professional athletes coming out to beat their time, or trying to win the Bass Coast Series. There’s a high level of performance.

“Then there are those people who do the aquathon year in and out. We get all ages, all sizes and athletic abilities.”

Paul said the winners of the Cape Paterson Aquathon tend to take out the Bass Coast Series.

“For professional clubs looking to hold the honour of Bass Coast Series winner, the Cape Paterson Aquathon sets the scene to take out the overall prize,” he said.

Last year’s event was won by Phillip Island’s Justin Tilley, who will be back this year to defend his title.

The Phillip Island community has been a strong supporter of the aquathon over the year, and “in fact it was the Phillip Island Turtles who encouraged its continuation, especially in the first 10 years,” said Paul.

With this year’s race, islanders Bill Yusko and Rob Fleisner should reach their 15th Cape Paterson Aquathon mark, and Emma Moore and Justin Tilley their 10th.

“We are delighted to have Jenny Merrick and Bob Matthews return after a break to inspire all entrants, and other Phillip Island stalwarts, such as Mark O'Donohue who could be competing in his 18th Aquathon, and getting close to reaching Dean Carter's 20th record,” said Paul.

“We look forward to hosting many Phillip Islanders on the day.”
Also at the starting line will be Rod Kimmins, who has competed in 25 of the 28 aquathons.

Paul said there are three competitors on 20 plus starts and at least 40 people who have competed in over 10 aquathons.

“The event could be the 21st Cape Paterson Aquathon for local favourite, Gary O'Connor.”

Smooth operation

Behind the scenes, ensuring the race runs smoothly are Simon and Karen Marangio, who have organised the aquathon since its inception. They’ll be ably backed by a committee of volunteers, who have been working on the event for almost 12 months.

“The committee is fully supported by the Cape Paterson SLSC,” said Paul.

“It’s a Life Saving Victoria sanctioned event, so there will be (lifesaving) boats in the water and water safety and first aid on the ground.

“We have over 1500 members and four boats here, and in previous years we’ve been supported by Wonthaggi.

“This year, as well as Wonthaggi, Inverloch will be supplying boats and support crew.

“It’s a great show of support from the lifesaving community.”

The club also works closely with Bass Coast Shire Council and police on the event road closures.

Sponsors include Highview Accounting and Financial, The Cape Tavern, Graze Deli and Bakehouse, Flow by Design, Zeal and Flow, The Cape, South Gippsland Water and Bass Coast Shire Council.

Paul said the support of local sponsors was key to the success of the event, and is another example of the strong community ties.

“For example, the grandfather of one of the partners at Highview Accounting, was a founding member of our club,” he said.

“It’s great to see local businesses getting behind a club in a way that is good for their own heritage and great for sport and the local community.”

On the day, a large crowd is expected to cheer on the competitors, and there will be a sausage sizzle plus and food and drinks available from local businesses.

Race and registration

The race will start at 10am on Sunday January 18.

Competitors face an ocean swim of 400 metres and then exit the water at the SLS Club and run up onto Surf Beach Road and The Cape Estate, which has a great selection of running paths through the estate, before returning to the club.

There are 11 different categories, including three team categories. To qualify for standings in the local residents’ category, proof of residency in Bass Coast Shire must be provided at the event.

The minimum age for competitors is 14 years (on the day of the event).
Registrations are open until the night before the event – there are no on-the-day registrations – so there’s still time to sign up.

“If you enjoy the San Remo Channel Challenge and/or the Cowes Classic, then this event is for you,” said Paul.

The remaining two events of the Bass Coast Series are the Cowes Classic on January 31 and the San Remo Channel Challenge on February 21.

www.basscoastseries.com.au/cape-paterson-aquathon