After Francismar Siviero completed his Swimming Through Postcards project where he went on a global tour of open water swims, he returned to his native Brazil.

The 70-year-old found his way to Ilhabela, an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of São Paulo. The city is site of many open water swims including the annual 3.8 km Ilhabela Channel Crossing that was first held in 2014 and is part of the national open water swimming series.

Siviero says, “Ilhabela is known for its unique in-water start, a distinctive feature that reinforces the symbolic connection between the athlete and the sea in its naturally beautiful, crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. For safety reasons, due to weather conditions, this year’s race was held along the Closed Channel course, ensuring the participants’ safety without compromising the competitive quality of the race.

I am now preparing for another international competition in 2026 — the OCEANMAN Argentina in Embalse, Córdoba. This event requires not only physical endurance, but also the fuels a purposeful determination and deep passion that drives my lifelong commitment to the sport.”

Photo above shows 1st place Aguimar Ferreira Pacheco, 74 years old in center of the photo, 2nd place Francismar Siviero, 70 years old (shown on left), and 3rd place Kazuo Yajima, 77 years old (shown on right).

For more information about Siviero and his upcoming swims, visit francisswim.com.br.

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

World Open Water Swimming Federation project, a human-powered project.