THE EVENT

The swim crossing is TIMED and includes separate categories based on the use of a neoprene wetsuit.
Individual Category

• Athletes may freely choose whether or not to wear a neoprene wetsuit.
• Athletes wearing a wetsuit will be classified in the “wetsuit category”.
• Athletes swimming without a wetsuit will compete in the “non-wetsuit (skins) category”.

• For relays, the category is determined by the equipment worn by the team members.
• If even one swimmer in the relay wears a neoprene wetsuit, the entire team will be classified as a “wetsuit relay”.
• Only relays in which all swimmers compete without a wetsuit will be classified as a “non-wetsuit (skins) relay”.

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 13, 2026. However, due to possible weather and sea conditions, participants are advised to plan their trip allowing for an additional flexible day afterwards. In the days leading up to the event, athletes will remain in close contact with the organizing team and will be informed of any potential changes.

Please find below the detailed schedule for the relevant days:
June 12, 2026 - Technical Briefing 5:00 PM – Briefing at the Municipality of San Felice Circeo.
June 13, 2026 - Crossing Day 6:30 AM – Meeting at the Port of San Felice Circeo, followed by departure towards Ponza. Recognition procedures, check-in, and preparation for the crossing will follow.
June 14, 2026 - Flexibility Day Reserved day for any schedule changes related to weather and sea conditions.

PARTICIPATION RULES

Individual Crossing (1 athlete)

The athlete may not climb onto the support boat nor hold onto it at any time during the entire crossing. One seat on board will be reserved for the athlete’s coach or assistant.

Relay Crossing (2 to 6 athletes)

Each relay team must appoint a team captain, responsible for coordinating the group. The order and frequency of swimmer changes are entirely at the team’s discretion and may be modified at any time. Every team member must cover at least one segment of the course (no minimum distance or time required). All exchanges must occur exclusively in open water, without climbing onto or touching the support boat. Prohibition of Contact with the Boat. In relay teams as well, any voluntary or involuntary contact with the boat results in the immediate termination of that swimmer’s segment. In such a case, another team member must enter the water and resume the swim from the exact point where the previous swimmer stopped.

Mandatory Certifications

All athletes—both individual and relay participants—must hold a valid competitive medical certificate for swimming or triathlon, in addition to the required Libertas membership (included in the registration).

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 February 20, 2026, 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 February 20th. 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.