Cavi Sestri Open Water Swimming

In 1542, the coastal settlement of Sestri Levante endured the first of two devastating raids by Turkish and Saracen pirates, a recurring threat that defined life here for generations. The legacy of these incursions remains etched into the landscape, most notably with the Punta Manara watchtower, which still stands 140 meters above sea level as a silent sentry against the horizon. As you prepare for the Cavi Sestri Open Water Swimming, you step into this same maritime theater, where the safety of the coastline was once a matter of survival.

The water and the path

Navigating these waters today reveals a unique geography; the historic center of Sestri Levante rests upon a peninsula that, until the Middle Ages, was an isolated island. It was eventually anchored to the mainland by an isthmus built from the alluvial deposits of the Gromolo stream and the relentless action of the sea. Swimming the 1500m or 3000m distances, you trace this coastal edge, often passing the silhouette of the San Nicolo dell'Isola church on the promontory. Built in 1151, the church features a distinct pyramidal spire and medieval tombstones embedded directly into its walls, offering a stark, historical anchor for your navigation. The course is supported by a mix of motorized boats and rowing craft, a necessary logistical arrangement to manage the coastal currents and vessel traffic that frequent this stretch of the Ligurian Sea.

Race day logistics

Scheduled for May 31, 2026, the event requires participants to navigate the logistics of the starting area, typically centered near the village, where parking is limited to specific zones like Via Baden Powell or the local hospital. The race committee advises arriving early to drop gear near the church of Santa Maria di Nazareth before moving vehicles to free parking areas. Should conditions turn adverse, the race organizers, in coordination with the local Capitaneria di Porto, may shift the event to the Baia delle Favole or cancel it entirely to ensure swimmer safety. The proximity to the site of the 1907 SS Principessa Jolanda shipwreck reminds us that this sea, while inviting, has long commanded respect for its sudden and unpredictable conditions.