This year's event was no exception.

The January was the first time three generations of his family competed in the Pier to the Pub, the world's largest open water swim race.

Joining him in the bay were his daughters Brooke Masters, Naomi Di Stefano, son-in-law Anthony Masters, and grandson Toby Masters.

It was 15-year-old Toby's first Pier to Pub and the fulfillment of a wish for his grandfather to swim the event with one of his grandchildren.

"I had always wanted to swim with one of the grandchildren and my eldest Toby took up the challenge. It was quite exciting," Brown said.

"He swam well, completing the race in about 19 minutes.

"He beat grandad - everyone beat grandad. 

"I've ended up in the legends category - I've finally got through to the 70-plus age category."

Brown, who has now swum in 16 Pier to Pubs, said the event had plenty of other appeal besides being a chance to compete alongside family.

"Basically I did the first year I retired - I was the principal of Camp Hill Primary School for 14 years," he said.

"The year I retired one of my daughters talked me into having a swim.

"It's very refreshing getting back into sport and swimming."

Brown, who in 2009 swam for the first time with his three daughters, hopes to swim in the race with more of his grand children before hanging up his goggles.

He said son-in-law Anthony claimed family bragging rights as the quickest swimmer on the day, completiung the 1.2 kilometre course in about 15 minutes.

This year’s Pier to Pub attracted more than 4500 swimmers.