THE EVENT

The 35 km swim crossing from Ponza Island (one of the six Pontine Islands) to the shores of San Felice Circeo takes place across a breathtaking stretch of sea that connects this stunning island, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and historical significance as a strategic Roman colony, to San Felice Circeo, celebrated for its legends and scenic landscapes. This challenge links two gems of Lazio and the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering swimmers a unique experience set amidst extraordinary natural and historical beauty.
The crossing can be completed in two formats: solo and relay. In solo format, an athlete swims the entire 35 km continuously. The relay format involves up to six athletes who share the experience on the same boat, self-managing their turns in the water. All participants must follow the rules specified in the "Participation Rules" and "Safety and Decisions" sections.
Each participant receives a range of services, including the rental of a support boat complete with a pilot, fuel, and a lifeguard for the entire crossing, additional safety vessels with a first-aid team to ensure marine safety, event timing, a participation certificate, and exclusive event gear. A professional photographer will capture significant moments of the athletes. The event timing will be done manually to ensure the utmost accuracy.
The cost of the relay format will be equally divided among all athletes. The boat can accommodate one additional companion (friends, physical therapists, various guests) at a rate of €100 per person.
Due to potential changes in the crossing date owing to adverse weather and sea conditions, participants are advised to plan for an arrival or departure adjustment of up to two days to account for possible weather-related rescheduling.

THE PROGRAM

The crossing is scheduled for June 14. However, due to potential adverse weather and sea conditions, participants are advised to plan their travel with flexibility, allowing for a possible advancement of the crossing by two days. In the days leading up to the event, athletes will maintain close contact with the organizational team and will be informed of any changes. Detailed Program of Events:
June 13, 2024 - Flexibility Day Monitoring weather conditions. Equipment preparation. Relaxation/exploration activities.
June 14, 2024 - Race Day 07:00 Athlete Check-in and Registration. 08:00 Start of the Crossing (race). 18:00 (latest) Expected Finish Time.
June 15, 2024 - Flexibility Day

PARTICIPATION RULES

Single crossing (1 athlete)

The athlete will not be allowed to board or lean on the boat during the crossing. The athlete will have a spot in the crew designated for their coach or assistant.

Relay crossing (from 2 to 6 athletes)

Each relay must elect a team member as the team captain. The succession in the sea of the components can be at the team's discretion and can be changed at any time. Each competitor must cover at least a portion of the crossing without any kind of limit. The change must take place at sea.

Meeting place

Participants are required to be ready and prepared to swim at the starting point Porto di Ponza at least 1h before the official starting time.

Useful Tips

• To prepare adequately for swimming in the pool and in open water for at least 60/70 minutes continuously.
• Have a light breakfast, rich in sugars and low in fats; do not drink alcohol before the race. Start moderately and find your breathing rhythm before pushing the pace.
• If in need of rescue in the water, signal to the nearest service vessels by keeping one arm stretched high.
• The organizers decline all responsibility for thefts or losses of valuable items, wallets, watches, clothes, etc.
• Each athlete/support person should prepare a thermal bag with necessary hydration and food for the crossing, considering that the organization will provide some light refreshments.
• It is advised to focus on liquids and light but energetic snacks. In addition to a towel and swimming gear, it is recommended to bring a sweatshirt, a spare T-shirt, and a windbreaker jacket.

Race Pack

• Swim Cap of the Event.
• Event Partners' Merchandise.
• Certificate of Participation.

Competition Regulations

Participation in the event implies full acceptance of the competition regulations, including FINA and FIN regulations. Participants therefore release Swimming Travel from any liability related to their participation in the event. Furthermore, each athlete consents to the use of their photographic and video images for promotional purposes related to the event. It is essential that each athlete is a member of a recognised federation such as FIN or FITRI. In the event that a participant is not already a member, Swimming Travel will provide membership through the sports promotion body Libertas. Full insurance cover is guaranteed for all participants for the duration of the event.

Judges and Timing

A jury service will be provided. The trial will have a manual timing service.

Rankings

All individual athletes who manage to finish the Cross-Country Race. The First Classified Relay winner edition 2025.

Security and Decisions

Swimming Travel, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, holds the full right to make decisions regarding the safety of the event. This includes the ability to cancel or suspend the event at any time for safety reasons. These decisions are final and binding on all participants. Decisions communicated through the crew to the coach and/or the relay captain regarding the end of the race are indisputable, and any non-compliance by the competitor(s) will result in the intervention of the designated authorities.

Results

The official results of the competition will be announced and published at www.swimmingtravel.com.

REGISTRATION METHODS

Registration Period: Registrations are open until March 31, 2024, or until the maximum number of participants (60 swimmers in total) is reached. It is crucial to act quickly to secure a spot in this prestigious crossing.
Website for Registration: To register, visit the website www.swimmingtravel.com. All necessary information and registration forms are easily accessible here.
Booking Fee and Balance: BOOKING FEE: 200 euros by March 31st. BALANCE: by May 5th. Payment can be made via bank transfer, or online platforms (PayPal/Stripe); the payment details are indicated in the registration form.

The crossing will be confirmed by mid-April.

There are no refund policies, it will be up to the waiving passenger to find a replacement for the crossing.