The annual switch from the pool to deeper water has again attracted many of the country's best swimmers.
For Commonwealth Games hero Moss Burmester tomorrow's Sovereign King of the Bays ocean swim is payback time.
Second home, behind Cameron Gibson, last year, Burmester (and Cameron) were later disqualified for taking
a wrong turn, leaving well-performed multi-eventer and former pool swimmer Brent Foster with a comfortable victory.
Foster is back to defend in the 2.8km swim from Milford to Takapuna.
He can expect spirited opposition from Burmester, Robert Voss, Dean Kent, former Olympian Ross Anderson and Haydn Woolley, a one-time fastest Ironman triathlon swimmer.
Helen Norfolk too will defend after her strong swim into seventh place overall last year.
She will be challenged for the women's title by fellow Commonwealth Games medallists Melissa Ingram, Hannah McLean, Alison Fitch and Ying Jie Ow, third woman home last year behind Norfolk and Ingram.
As well as the full-on race out front as the wetsuit-clad brigade chase a prize pool offering $10,000 in cash and prizes, there will be just as much resolve back in the pack.
Rosie, the hugely popular labrador, will be back for a third attempt. Former All Black Ian Jones is another to return for a race that continues to grow in popularity.
Organisers have added a one kilometre swim at Takapuna Beach this year starting at 10.15am.
The main race starts at Milford Beach at 11.30am.
