Circuito Paulista de Maratonas Aquáticas 2026 — Ilhabela (maio)

The Praia do Perequê event serves as a central stage for the Circuito Paulista de Maratonas Aquáticas, scheduled for May 24, 2026. Athletes compete within the São Sebastião Channel, a thirty-kilometer maritime corridor that fluctuates in width, narrowing to a two-kilometer passage at its tightest point. This stretch of water functions as a significant shipping route, hosting a major oil terminal that necessitates strict coordination between race organizers and maritime authorities. The water conditions in late May are influenced by the surrounding topography; the island features a rugged mountain range with seven peaks exceeding 1,000 meters, such as the 1,378-meter Pico de São Sebastião, which trap clouds and dictate local microclimates and rainfall patterns.

Historical and natural currents

Navigating this course requires attention to the channel's dynamics, which have defined the local geography since the 1502 arrival of the Portuguese expedition that named the site in honor of Saint Sebastian. While swimming, participants may look toward the island's interior, where historical records from 1562 document a significant jaguar population, a legacy preserved today in the name of the 'Pedra da Onça' landmark. The archipelago also functions as a corridor for marine megafauna; observers and swimmers have documented sightings of humpback, Bryde's, minke, and southern right whales, alongside orcas and various dolphin pods. The regional marathon circuit calendar keeps swimmers active throughout the season, with participants often moving from the early-year Toque-Toque Pequeno event in April toward the later September Ilhabela competition hosted in different maritime conditions. The race logistics prioritize safety within this high-traffic channel, ensuring that the start at Praia do Perequê aligns with the necessary maritime traffic clearances.