Donaldson out to keep double crown

Perth swimmer Andrew Donaldson is expected to defend his double crown in the Albany Harbour Swim and the SunSmart Southern Ocean Classic Mile this weekend.

Donaldson has claimed both races the past two years and will be confident of a third straight title in 2017.

The Albany Harbour Swim, which runs on Saturday at 8am from Princess Royal Sailing Club to Peace Park, has more than 100 entrants with registrations closing at 6pm tonight.

Albany Masters Swimming Club president Kaye Bolger said the club, which runs the event, was excited for Saturday’s 4km race.

“We’re looking forward to the event and we get such good support from the community so it is always a great day for everyone,” he said.

The Harbour Swim has prizes up to $300.

Donaldson claimed last year’s Harbour Swim by almost four minutes to be ahead of Mt Barker’s Kyle Bario. It was a similar tale in the Ocean Classic as Donaldson finished comfortably ahead of Bario in the Denmark race.

Penny Palfrey took out both women’s races last year and is also expected to return to attempt back-to-back titles.

The race starts at 10am at Ocean Beach on Sunday with online registrations closing on Saturday. Prizes range from $50-$250.