Swim race offers a chance to leap from the TSS Earnslaw

The Whakatipu Legend open water swim event is offering swimmers a unique opportunity to leap from a historic steamer boat in Queenstown.

On 23^rd March 2024, swimmers competing in Queenstown’s Whakatipu Legend 4km swimming race will be ferried out into Lake Whakatipu on the century-old TSS Earnslaw. They’ll then leap from the historic ship to start their swim back to Queenstown Bay.

Launched in 1912, TSS Earnslaw is one of the region’s oldest tourist attractions and the only commercial coal-fired steamship still carrying passengers in the Southern Hemisphere.   

Now in its fourth year, the Whakatipu Legend challenges swimmers to take to the lake’s infamously chilly waters to compete in open water swimming. The race attracts some of New Zealand’s best competitive swimmers as well as those new to the sport.

“Each year, we aim to evolve the event, adding new distances, changing courses, and we have joked about using the TSS Earnslaw for previous events,” says race co-organiser Richie Lambert.

“This time we approached Real NZ about chartering the historic steamer, and to our surprise, they were totally on board!

“She’s been sailing on Lake Whakatipu for over 100 years, moving animals and tourists – she’s an iconic part of Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu – and we wanted to able to showcase her for something completely different.”

A unique swim race

Up to 200 swimmers will be able to compete in the 4km race, setting sail before sunrise from Queenstown Bay and voyaging on the ship to the Frankton Arm. Swimmers will have time to explore the magical boat and see the steam engine working.

“There’s then only one way off – competitors will jump into the water from either the 1.5km deck or, if they’re feeling particularly brave, they can leap from the 3m high top deck,” says Richie.

“We’ve tested both heights. The 1.5m option is more sedate while the higher one is more exciting – it’s a good idea to hold on to your goggles!”

Once in the water, swimmers will navigate the 4km course back to Queenstown Bay, using large inflatable marker buoys as references. 

The race also offers shorter events, which don’t involve “walking the plank” – 1km and 2km events will start on the beach in Queenstown Bay. Intermediate and faster swimmers will for the first time be able to do a ‘Combo Challenge’, which tests their mettle as they swim the 4km, 2km and 1km events, racing to be on the start line for each event.

Find out more about the Whakatipu Legend swimming race