PIER TO PERIGNON 2027 – COMPETITOR INFO

We trust this correspondence finds you fit and ready to tackle the 39th Pier to Perignon on Sunday 14th February 2027

Please read and understand all race information carefully.

The race time has been selected to align with peak tidal streams, so swimmers will be moving with the outgoing tide.

Note that tidal stream times at Sorrento differ from Port Phillip Heads, and differ from tide times.

The event must be conducted in a safe, friendly and sporting manner — dangerous or unsporting conduct will result in immediate disqualification. Officials’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal. All event updates will be posted on the Portsea Surf Lifesaving website.

The registration tent opens at 8:00 am on the beach, western side of Sorrento Pier.

All entrants will receive a confirmation email with their name, race number and assigned Collection Row (1 to 8). Bring this email — printed or on your phone — and please arrive no later than 9:30 am.

Bring this email — printed or on your phone — and please arrive no later than 9:30 am.

Your kit includes a transponder (with race number), an AQUA silicone swim cap and a bag tag. The transponder records your time and is your ticket to collect merchandise at the finish. Strap it securely to your ankle, on the outside of your wetsuit.

Attach your bag tag and drop your bag at the transfer area in the car park behind registration. At the finish, present your transponder at the bag collection area at Portsea Camp Oval to collect your bag. Note: we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to items.

• One entry per competitor — you cannot use someone else’s entry
• Goggles and wetsuits are permitted and recommended
• The official 2027 AQUA swim cap and transponder must be worn on the outside of any wetsuit — no cap and transponder means no recorded finish
• Swimmers must follow the course as briefed
• Organisers reserve the right to accept, reject or cancel entries
• Officials may remove any swimmer deemed physically unable to continue safely or unlikely to finish within 90 minutes, or who fails to follow race rules

Around 1,000 swimmers start in one wave. Position yourself accordingly:

• Top 20 contender: front of the pack
• Mid-field: let faster swimmers go first
• Slower swimmer: start at the back and enjoy it

The race starts once the 10:00 am ferry has departed and is clear of the course.

Be mindful of those around you at all times.

Raise your arm if you need assistance and a Portsea SLSC lifesaver will reach you as quickly as possible. Follow all marshal directions — failure to do so may result in removal from the race and a DNF. Water safety boards and IRBs will be with you throughout.

If you hear a hooter: stop safely, locate the emergency, allow rescue craft through if needed, and exit the water immediately if directed. If not directed to exit, continue swimming but stay alert for further instructions.

Head to the grassed area at Portsea Camp for merchandise and refreshments. Walk over the transponder mat, collect your printed card and present it at the tent. Take care on the steps — there may be unseen hazards.

Note: we do our best to have all T-shirt sizes available but cannot always guarantee this.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful volunteers and sponsors, who allow us to continue to deliver this amazing event each year.

From around 11:30 am. Winners announced in Male and Female categories, with and without wetsuit. Each winner receives a bottle of Dom Perignon and $500 cash.

No additional aids permitted (fins, boards, snorkels, flotation gear or support teams). Early starters may be deemed ineligible.

Close finishes are determined by torso crossing the line first, not recorded time alone. Protests in writing to the Race Director within 15 minutes of provisional results — all decisions are final.

Commemorative plaques awarded for 10, 20 and 30 years of completion. Swimmers joining the 10, 20 and 30-year P2P Swim Club will be recognised.

All swimmers and families welcome at the club for food and drinks.

Parking near the start is very limited. Avoid The Esplanade — park at Portsea back beach car park instead and take the shuttle bus, or arrange a drop-off near the pier.

Five buses run between Sorrento Pier and Portsea Camp Oval from 8:00 am. Find the pickup point near the roundabout, marked with a flag.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful volunteers and sponsors, who allow us to continue to deliver this amazing event each year.