Overview
- The Bureau of Meteorology has issued strong wind warnings, with average speeds above 30 knots and gusts reaching 50–60 km/h across Cottesloe and Rottnest waters on Saturday.
- Organisers will meet forecasters on Friday and say a final decision could come this afternoon or by about 4:30am on race day, ahead of the 5:45am start.
- Some swimmers and skippers are already withdrawing, citing forecasts of southerly winds strengthening offshore and a south‑westerly change that could push competitors off course.
- Safety leaders note the event’s scale and past difficulties, with the 2024 swim cancelled mid-race after deteriorating conditions led to multiple rescues and precautionary hospitalisations.
- The association says the event cannot be rescheduled due to logistics and shipping lane management, as separate coastal activities such as abalone fishing have also been postponed for safety.