A quota of 1,500 swimmers will be available this year. They will be divided between the racing group and the leisure group and swim on a new route, starting from Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier and finishing at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The racing group's quota will be reserved for those who applied in 2019 due to the limited quota and health measures in place.

The leisure group's quota will be assigned by lottery if the number of applicants exceeds the quota.

"Lottery results will be announced on 25th November, with successful applicants to the 2019 event given priority this year," organizers said.

Both groups will need to pass the time trial or submit relevant proven records, in order to qualify for participation in the harbor race.

The time trial will be held in Tung Chung Swimming Pool on November 27 and 29, and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool on November 28.

Applicants can check their results and the final participant list on the race's website from 3pm on December 1.

Online registration for the race will run from 10.30am today until 11.59pm on November 22.

Fourteen is the minimum age for the race group's applicants whereas for the leisure group, the minimum age is 12.

Those who had successfully applied for the race in 2019 and who wish to compete this year get to enjoy a 50 percent discount on entry fees and the exemption of time trials and other administration fees.

"Successful applicants for the harbor race 2019 who choose not to enroll in the 2021 race or are unsuccessful in securing a spot this year will see their priority, discounts and exemptions extended for a year to the harbor race 2022," organizers said.

All selected swimmers will have to be fully vaccinated and get negative results from nucleic acid tests two weeks and 48 hours respectively before the race.

They can collect their race kit at Vessel 01 in Kwun Tong from 9am to 8pm on December 10 or from 9am to 12pm on December 11.

During the collection days, swimmers are also required to take nucleic acid tests arranged by the organizers.

They also have to submit an electronic health declaration form on the spot to confirm they have not been outside the city in the 21 days preceding the race.

On the day of the event, swimmers must register with the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app before entering the premises.

They will also have their temperature screened at the registration area and masks will be distributed near the finishing area.