Howard James of Open Water Africa announced a unique 45 km marathon swim around one of the most remote islands in the world.
The swim window of the St Helena Island Ultra Marathon Swim between March and April, a circumnavigation swim around Saint Helena Island, United Kingdom’s second-oldest overseas territory.
James said, “Experienced open water swimmers are invited on a pilot-guided adventure to Saint Helena Island, tackling a 45 km ultra-marathon swim around one of the planet’s most pristine and remote island destinations. As you navigate the island’s rugged coastline, you’ll be immersed in its raw natural beauty and rich marine life, surrounded by a culture that deeply values conservation and protecting the island’s unique ecosystems.
A swim direction will be carefully planned in the days leading up to your event, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. As you embark on the Saint Helena Island Ultra Marathon swim, it will be a true test of endurance and determination due to unpredictable South Atlantic Ocean conditions with Atlantic Ocean wildlife.”
Saint Helena
Saint Helena Island, a British overseas territory, is a volcanic and tropical island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1,874 km west of Africa with Angola and Namibia being the closest nations geographically and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil being 4,000 km to its west.
Saint Helena measures about 16 km by 8 km with a population of 4,439.
It is one of the most remote major islands in the world and was uninhabited until the 16th century, when it was discovered by the Portuguese explorers/traders en route southward around the continent of Africa, then east across the Indian Ocean to India in 1502. For the next four centuries, the island was an important stopover for ships between Europe and Asia sailing around the African continent and its southern Cape of Good Hope.
Open Water Africa Offerings
- 45 km St Helena Island Ultra Marathon Swim between March and April
- 24 km Lake Malawi from Makanjila to Senga
- 5.6 km Changuu Island prison island swim, northwest of Stone Town, Unguja, Zanzibar
- 5.5 km Mogador Island prison island swim off the coast of Essaouira, Morocco
For more information, visit openwater.africa and openwater.africa/st-helena.
Saint Helena, a Prison Island Swim
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“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“
World Open Water Swimming Federation, a human-powered project.