Harbour Crossing: Pros to put up close battle

Glenn Snyders will be competing in the Harbour Crossing. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Marine Traffic in the Auckland Harbour is set to come to a stand-still tomorrow morning when 1200 swimmers take part in the State Harbour Crossing.

The event starts in Quinton Park in Bayswater on the North Shore and finishes at the Viaduct Harbour.

Swimmers set out at 7.05am and have 1hr and 45min to complete the crossing.

The event has a number of professional swimmers taking part, including Commonwealth Games medallists Glenn Snyders and Melissa Ingram.

Event director Scott Rice said given the number of professional swimmers taking part, it could all come down to the conditions and navigation on the day. "We have five out of the previous six Harbour Crossing champions on the start line this year: it is going to be a great battle. I am predicting a close finish; the spectators are going to be in for a treat."

The Harbour Crossing is the first event in the State New Zealand Ocean Series that includes six ocean swims around the country over the summer. A northeasterly 15 knots with periods of rain is expected tomorrow.

THE BIG SWIM

* Swimmers set out at 7.05am tomorrow from Quinton Park, Bayswater and finish at the Viaduct Harbour.

* There is a 1hr 45min allotted time to complete the 2.8km race.

* Entries are now closed for this event but there are six events taking place in Auckland, Paihia, Wellington, Mt Maunganui and Christchurch throughout summer.

* See www.oceanswim.co.nz for details.