Circuito Paulista de Maratonas Aquáticas — São Sebastião (outubro)

The São Sebastião stage of the Circuito Paulista de Maratonas Aquáticas, held on October 25, 2026, presents a technical open-water challenge in the São Paulo channel. Swimmers face a sea environment characterized by currents shifting through the passage between the mainland and the Ilhabela archipelago. The event offers multiple distances, with registration fees covering logistical support, including water safety, boat monitoring for longer routes, and a standard competition package consisting of an event cap and a timing chip. As part of a series that spans the coast, this leg is distinct from the calmer shelf-water swims found at Aquamundo Barequeçaba, which takes place in September.

Historical currents and coastal navigation

Navigating these waters requires an awareness of the maritime history that defined the coastline. On January 20, 1502, the expedition arrived here, christening the land after the saint of the day. For centuries, the deep-water channel provided natural cover for corsairs; English, French, and Dutch pirates frequently utilized these coves to secure fresh water before launching raids on colonial settlements. The waters near the shore were the site of a decisive confrontation in the late 16th century, when the corsair Thomas Cavendish retreated to the island after a defeat in Vitória, only to sustain further losses in a night engagement against Portuguese forces led by Diogo de Unhate.

Today, the racecourse passes segments of the coast that hold remnants of this maritime past. Swimmers may catch glimpses of the shoreline where the 1734 whaling station at Ponta das Canavieiras once operated, or pass near the Saco do Sombrio, a historical anchorage for vessels that defined the colonial economy. While the path avoids the deeper archeological zones where 2,000-year-old sambaqui shell middens have been identified, the presence of these sites serves as a reminder of the human history embedded in the archipelago. Participants looking to compare this technical sea environment with neighboring courses often choose the earlier season races at Ilhabela to test their endurance against the differing tide cycles of the region.