Three crew members of HMAS Stalwart have displayed a heart of oak – and plenty of grit – to brave the icy waters of the Derwent River. 

Representing Navy and its affinity with one of Tasmania’s most iconic events, they completed the Trans-Derwent swim – a 1.5km open water swim from Montagu Bay to the banks of the Regatta Grounds.

It is a feature event of the Royal Hobart Regatta, with locals of all ages donning wet suits (or not) to cross the river under race conditions.

Sub-Lieutenant Lewis Kay, Able Seaman Ashlin Traeger and Able Seaman Chelsea Delaney all raced in the early morning event, with both Able Seaman Traeger and Able Seaman Delaney landing medals for their efforts in the 18-34 women’s category.  

It was a snap decision to participate for all three. With Stalwart serving as the flagship for the 188th Royal Hobart Regatta, the trio put their hand up less than a fortnight out from the event.

Able Seaman Traeger reflected on the conditions faced by competitors throughout the event.

“It wasn’t as cold as I thought it’d be,” Able Seaman Traeger said.

'My forearms went pretty early and it was just numbness – in your forearms, fingers and toes – everywhere.'

“Don’t get me wrong, it was definitely cold and everything went numb when you first jumped in but by the time you got moving, it was like, ‘OK, I can do this’.”

For Sub-Lieutenant Kay, the physical toll of the race became more apparent around the halfway mark, as fatigue started to set in.

“At the midway point I started to really tire and it felt a bit like we weren’t moving as fast,” Sub-Lieutenant Kay said.

“My forearms went pretty early and it was just numbness – in your forearms, fingers and toes – everywhere.”

Wrapped up in towels and with the swim complete, the crew was quick to turn their minds to well-earned rewards ashore.

“We’re going to grab hot chocolates and there are bacon and egg rolls cooking on the barbecues by the water, so we’ll stop by there too,” Able Seaman Delaney said.

“Then it’s off to the Barracks for a warm shower.”  

Stalwart’s presence at the 188th Royal Hobart Regatta continues a decades-long tradition of ADF support that began more than 50 years ago. 

The Stalwart name has also had a long affinity with the regatta, with Stalwart II serving as the flagship three times in the 1970s.

The ADF supported a range of other activities across the regatta long weekend, including an aerial display by the Air Force Roulettes, an open day on board Stalwart, performances by Navy's rock band and ADF career activations.