Who Are the Brighton Icebergers? by GC Member Betty Ryan
The RBYC Brighton Icebergers are a passionate group of cold-water swimmers based at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC). While the Brighton Icebergers are well known as two groups — one swimming out of the historic Brighton Baths Health Club, and the other our own — this piece celebrates the RBYC Brighton Icebergers.
As of July 2025, there are 215 RBYC members who proudly identify as Icebergers — people who find enormous joy in swimming in very cold water all year round. While we may not sail or float on top of the water, Icebergers spend countless hours immersed beneath the surface, getting to know the bay in a way few others do — watching the seabed pass below, spotting marine life, and experiencing the water at its rawest.
On any morning of the week, you’ll find 100 to 150 swimmers in the water from dawn to dusk , followed by time in the sauna and steam room, and then lively conversation over coffee. The topics rarely change: water temperature, clarity, swell, distance covered, and which sea creature someone encountered that day.
Icebergers on the Road
Over summer, RBYC Icebergers are easy to spot in their club bathers at major ocean swimming events including the Portsea Classic, Pier to Perignon, and Anglesea Rock to Ramp. Many RBYC members also play key roles behind the scenes, helping organise and support these events across Victoria’s ocean swimming calendar.
The Olsen Hooper – A Summer Highlight
A firm favourite on the Iceberger calendar is the annual Olsen Hooper, the 22nd OH event held this last weekend on 14 December. Famous for silly costumes, a group photo and fast racing, this year’s event was swum in fierce winds and 18-degree, pungent sea water. In the presence of the races’ namesakes, Misters Olsen and Hooper, 32 Icebergers swam their hearts out in both the Olsen Hooper Summer Race and the Channel Race.
2025 Results
Olsen Hooper 1800 metres
- 🏆 Dan Wallace – 30:40
- Nic Desira – 32:40
- Vin Brown – 33:35
Channel Race 1300 Metres
- 🏆 Marcus Lethlean – 23:32
- Sam Paynter – 24:14
- Tim Hille – 25:00
Ladies Winners
- Lisa Gullickers – 43:45 (Olsen Hooper)
- Christina Wilhelm – 26:45 (Channel)
Earning Your Ice
Post-swim celebrations included coffee and egg-and-bacon burgers, and the official welcoming of new Iceberger inductees. Not just anyone earns the title — you must swim two full winters to become an Iceberger. Check out the honour board outside the sauna; it’s a source of great pride (and excellent motivation).
Thanks & What’s Next
Huge thanks to Ross McDowell for organising another memorable morning and keeping spirits high.
Next up: the Christmas Iceberger Long Lunch, Monday 22nd. Thanks to Sam Paynter for organising this most enjoyable event
