Courtesy of Winston Crooke, Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim Race.

Winston Crooke, event organizer of the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim Race, explains the origin of the name Nevis. “The island was named Oualie (“Land of Beautiful Waters“) by the Carib Indians and Dulcina (“Sweet Island“) by the early British settlers.

The name, Nevis, is derived from the Spanish, Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (or Our Lady of the Snows).

The name first appears on maps in the 16th century.

Nevis is pronounced Neevis. It’s name originated from Christopher Columbus who located the island, but never set foot on it. He thought the clouds surrounding the peak looked like snow. Hence, ‘Nieves’ the spanish word for snow, which later became known as Nevis.”

For the March 26th event (Bente Weber Memorial Swim) we will offer swim clinics led by International Swimming Hall Of Fame Honoree Karlyn Pipes and Olympians David Carry and Keri-Anne Payne.

The course is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) from Nevis Island to St. Kitts Island with the water temperatures averaging 80°F (27°C) and an average depth of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters). “You can usually see the bottom all the way across too. There is a cash prize of US$1,000 awarded for Best Time Ever.”

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