The race, now in its 10th year, is organised by Nick Brooks and raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mr Brooks said: "We had 320 swimmers, compared to 220 last year. We don't yet know the final total, but we would have raised more than £1,000.
"The conditions were perfect considering the terrible summer we've had. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, we had an off shore wind, a perfect tide and a flat sea. We couldn't have wished for better weather."
Swimmers ranged from aged seven and eight, to almost 70 and were joined by Penwith's lifeguard dog, Bilbo, who swam for the second year running.
Competitors swim parallel with the Penzance promenade from Newlyn Green to the Jubilee Pool slip, approximately 1,300 metres, (1,100 metres for under 12s).
Mr Brooks said the event has grown in popularity, and now attracts an excellent standard of entrants.
"I think the Olympics and the introduction of the open water swimming event may have encouraged people to join in and to watch. The promenade was packed with people," said Mr Brooks.
"This year the swim attracted elite London triathletes Neil Eddy and Sam Herridge, both winning their respective categories. However, the record of 15.32 set in 2006 by local lifeguard/solicitor Ben May remains intact."
But the family atmosphere still remains, with three generations even taking part from one family.
Christine Thomas, daughters Tamsin and Sasha, and grand-daughter Imogen, all joined in.
All under 12s received a medal for taking part, which were presented afterwards in the Yacht Inn, along with other awards categories.
Organisers are grateful to all sponsors, especially Peter George at the Yacht Inn, as well as helpers at registration and the race's finish, the RNLI, Penzance Canoe Club and other boats contributing to the safety cover.
For a £6 entry fee, swimmers received an event T-shirt, but due to the record numbers of entrants, the 260 printed did not go round everyone.
Mr Brooks said: "The organisers were overwhelmed with the amount of competitors and will ensure that there will be enough of the much sought after T-shirts to go around next year."
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN