The Pier to Perignon started in 1989 when two swimmers, Ted Baillieu and Rob Robertson, crossed from Sorrento to Portsea with a bottle of Dom Pérignon on the line for the winner. The following year they invited some friends. Then more friends. Then it kept growing.

Over 35 years later the event draws around 1,000 swimmers and still maintains its original character. From the very beginning, it’s been about personal achievement rather than competition. Most swimmers enter with the aim of completing the crossing, and if they better their time from last year, that’s a bonus.

Aerial displays have been a feature since the first flyover in 1990, with over 100 aircraft taking part across the event’s history. The RAAF Roulettes over the Sorrento Pier in 1998 remains the standout, marking the event’s 10th anniversary. Music has been part of the event from the start too, from jazz bands and buskers in the early years to the Frankston RSL Pipes and Drum Band who now send swimmers off from the Sorrento Pier. At the finish, food stalls, marching bands, and the occasional return flyover give the whole thing a festival feel.

Winners are presented with a bottle of Dom Pérignon. The club also recognises swimmers who’ve completed 10, 20, and 30 swims with a commemorative plaque and membership of the P2P Swim Club. Over 40 swimmers have reached the 20-swim milestone. The Humble Founders, Ted Baillieu and Rob Robertson, reached 30 swims in 2018 and 2019.

The Pier to Perignon is not just a swim. It’s a whole event experience, and one that swimmers and their supporters look forward to every year.

All entrants must read this before race day.

The race time is set to match peak tidal streams, so you’ll be swimming with the outgoing tide. Tidal stream times at Sorrento differ from both Port Phillip Heads and published tide times. Any race updates will be posted on this page.

REGISTRATION

The registration tent opens at 8:00am on the beach, western side of Sorrento Pier. Arrive no later than 9:30am.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your name, race number and Collection Row (1 to 8). Bring it with you, printed or on your phone.

YOUR RACE KIT

Your kit includes a transponder (with your race number), an AQUA silicone swim cap and a bag tag. Strap the transponder securely to your ankle, outside your wetsuit. It records your time and you’ll need it to collect your merchandise and bag at the finish.

BAG STORAGE

Attach your bag tag and drop your bag at the transfer area in the car park behind registration. Collect it from Portsea Camp Oval after the swim by presenting your transponder. The club can’t accept responsibility for loss or damage to items.

GETTING THERE

Parking near the start is very limited. Avoid The Esplanade. Either arrange a drop-off near Sorrento Pier, or park at [PARKING LOCATION TBC] and take the shuttle bus.
Five shuttle buses run between Sorrento Pier and Portsea Camp Oval from 8:00am. The pickup point is near the roundabout, marked with a flag.

THE START

Around 1,000 swimmers start in a single wave, once the 10:00am ferry has departed and cleared the course. Position yourself honestly:

• Aiming for the top 20: start at the front
• Mid-field: let faster swimmers go ahead
• Slower swimmers: start at the back and enjoy it

Be mindful of the swimmers around you at all times.

SAFETY

Raise your arm if you need help and a Portsea SLSC lifesaver will reach you as quickly as possible. Water safety boards and IRBs are with you the whole way. Follow all marshal directions. Failing to do so may mean removal from the race and a DNF.
If you hear a hooter: stop safely, locate the emergency and let rescue craft through. Exit the water if directed. If you’re not directed to exit, keep swimming and stay alert for further instructions.

RULES

• One entry per competitor. You can’t swim on someone else’s entry.
• Goggles and wetsuits are permitted and recommended.
• The official 2027 AQUA cap and transponder must be worn, outside any wetsuit. No cap and transponder means no recorded finish.
• No other aids: no fins, boards, snorkels, flotation devices or support teams.
• Follow the course as briefed. Early starters may be ruled ineligible.
• Officials may remove any swimmer who appears unable to continue safely, is unlikely to finish within 90 minutes, or breaks race rules.
• Dangerous or unsporting conduct means immediate disqualification.
• Close finishes are decided by torso crossing the line, not recorded time alone.
• Protests must be made in writing to the Race Director within 15 minutes of provisional results.
• The organisers may accept, reject or cancel entries. Officials’ decisions are final.

THE FINISH

Walk over the transponder mat, collect your printed card and present it at the merchandise tent on the grassed area at Portsea Camp. Take care on the steps. We do our best to stock every T-shirt size but can’t always guarantee it.

PRESENTATIONS

From around 11:30am. Winners are announced in Male and Female categories, with and without wetsuit. Each winner receives a bottle of Dom Pérignon and $500 cash.
Swimmers reaching 10, 20 and 30 completed swims receive a commemorative plaque and join the P2P Swim Club.

AFTER THE SWIM

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

Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors, who make this event possible every year.