Yesterday the seas had calmed enough for around 200 people to compete in the welcome return of the Captain Christie Ocean Swim, Gerringong’s premier open water event.

This year’s Swim was won by Beau Wheeler (male winner) from Bulli in 19min and 41 sec and Dori Miller (female winner) from Bondi in 20min 48sec. The latter drew on her experience as a marathon swimmer, having crossed the English Channel four times.

Jill Pettifer from Canberra with Marathon Ocean swimmer Dori Miller from Bondi, who won the women's race

It was the first time the annual fundraiser for the Surf Club had been able to be held since 2019.

The 1.8km race starts with competitors gathering at Gerringong Surf Club, then a run across to Boat Harbour, where they take to the water to swim back into Werri Beach.

Race organisers Mitchell Payne and Eva Booth

The legend of the Captain Christie Ocean Swim dates back to 1882 when, story has it, Captain William Christie successfully took up his sailor's challenge to swim from Gerringong Boat Harbour around the rocky headland to Werri Beach - all for a bottle of the finest whisky.

All entrants of drinking age now receive a whisky miniature when they complete the course.