The 11th annual Ruby Swim, organised by Wānaka locals Jamie Norman and Eddie Spearing, will take place this Saturday (January 25).

The open water event features six different races for people of all ages and abilities, all of which centre around Ruby Island, which is located just 600m from the Lake Wānaka foreshore at its closest point.

Eddie told the Wānaka App that entry numbers are similar to the past three or so events.

“We will have about 440 swimmers or thereabouts in the water on the day, spread over the six events,” he said.

“We have 100 more females than males which is interesting.”

Those events are the Open Architecture Ruby (10km), the Matthews Central Vision Ruby (5km), The BN3TH Iron Ruby (3.8km), the centrepiece one lap around the island Wanacare Pharmacy The Ruby (2.5km), the Dryrobe The Jetty (1.2km), and The Island (600m). 

“The water temperature is going to be in the 18°C range, possibly a tad warmer, which the non-wetsuit category in most events will love,” Eddie said.

“The long range forecast is looking good for no/low wind. Wind is the only thing that stops the event going ahead. We don’t have a weather contingency day. So it’s on or it’s not,” he said.

Eddie said the event has been cancelled three times since 2015: twice because of excessive wind and once because of Covid-19 restrictions.

“We have great on-water safety support, and fingers’ crossed it’s going to be a good one,” he said.

PHOTO: Lennon Bright