The organisers of the fifth annual Hawke's Bay ocean swim event set to take place in March have linked in with the best possible naming rights sponsor.
In the words of Trevor Adsett from the Napier Aquahawks swimming club - "good synergy there, as it's right in their backyard".
The event will this year be known as the Napier Port Ocean Swim and the naming link was inevitable, Mr Adsett said.
"With Napier Port as the event backdrop, the sponsorship opportunity was literally staring right at us."
He said many of the swimmers who annually trained their way into peak condition would often take to the waters off Hardinge Rd, where the event was staged, and would watch the bigger participants of the open ocean, the ships, coming and going.
"We are thrilled to have the port as the naming rights sponsor."
Napier Port general manager of corporate projects Chris Bain said the port had a strong association with several water-based activities.
"So the Napier Port Ocean Swim is a worthwhile addition to our stable of sponsored events."
Mr Adsett said last year's swim attracted about 250 people and he was hopeful the March 21 event would see about 300 people enter the water.
"They will be spread over several events though."
Races had been designed to suit all ages and abilities.
The day would start with the Napier Pak'n Save 200m Kids Classic, followed by the Furnware 300m Dash, the Admin Plus 1000m Classic and the Blue Seventy 2.5km Ultimate.
"Many participants started with the 300m dash and they are now confident to take on the 2.5km ultimate," Mr Adsett said.
He described the waters off Hardinge Rd as "beautiful" and "a pleasure to swim in".
He said the past four events had seen smooth, almost millpond water, and he hoped for the same in late March.
He said safety was a major issue and there would be surf lifesavers in the water, as well as Coastguard and St John on hand.
-For event entries and information, go to www.napieroceanswim.co.nz