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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesBeach-to-Beach Power Swim Set for Sunday

Beach-to-Beach Power Swim Set for Sunday

Get ready to hit the water: the Friends of V.I. National Park will hold its eighth annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim this Sunday—rain or shine—at Maho Beach.

“You don’t have to be a great swimmer; as long as you’re comfortable in the water and a competent swimmer,” said event organizer Joe Kessler, who’s also president of Friends of V.I. National Park.

Organizers expect participants from all over the United States and surrounding Caribbean Islands. Approximately 130 people are registered to swim. Event organizers expect around 200 participants by Sunday.

The swim, which begins at 8 a.m. at the north end of Maho Beach, will have swimmers competing in three different courses. The short course ends at Cinnamon Beach, the intermediate course at Trunk Bay Beach, and the long solo and relay courses end at Hawksnest Beach.

Each group will lead off the race in two-minute intervals. Spectators can distinguish which swimmers are on what course by the color of their swim caps.

The race has a three-hour time limit: at 11 a.m., support boats will retrieve swimmers who are still in progress.

Emergency assistance will be available during the race. Kayakers will follow the swimmers for immediate assistance, while larger powerboats will trail the kayaks to collect swimmers. There will also be first aid boats at Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay.

Shuttle services will be provided for spectators to follow the swimmers along the courses. There will also be a shuttle service at the end of the race to take participants and spectators from Hawksnest to Oppenheimer Beach for a BBQ beach party and awards ceremony.

The party will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the awards presentation beginning around noon.

Take advantage of the shuttles. Kessler notes, “The swimmers can swim faster than you can walk.”

Registration will end at 5 p.m. during Saturday’s pre-race meeting. To register before then, go to the website or visit one of the locations listed on the website.

Swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-race meeting to receive information about the course and safety. Race check-in will begin at 5 p.m., and a detailed briefing will take place at 6 p.m.

A swim clinic will be held prior to the pre-race meeting at 2:30 pm at Maho Beach by ultra-distance swimmer Jamie Patrick, who’ll go over navigation, body position, technique, drafting, and other strategies to assist swimmers.

The clinic is $50 per person; those interested can call 779-4940 to ensure a space. All proceeds will go to fund the Learn to Swim Program.

Organizers are excited about the large number of volunteers. Although no further assistance is needed this year, those who are interested in helping next year should contact Audrey Penn at apenn@friendsvinp.org.

For more information about the event, courses, and locations for registration, please visit the website.

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