116. Plivački Maraton Šilo - Crikvenica

On the morning of August 15th, the feast day of the Assumption, the town of Crikvenica undergoes a familiar transformation. While visitors crowd the promenade, the local community gathers with a singular focus: the annual crossing from the island of Krk. This event, now in its 117th year, is an institution that draws both seasoned open-water specialists and local enthusiasts who have made this 3,500-meter transit a personal tradition. The organization is managed by the Crikvenica Tourist Board, which maintains this historic connection across the sea, echoing the maritime importance that defined the region long before tourism became the primary industry.

Before the modern ferry routes, the link between Šilo and the mainland was a lifeline. In 1905, the local authorities established a regular steamboat service using the vessel Dinko Vitezić, which connected Šilo, Vrbnik, and Crikvenica. Swimming the same channel today, one follows a path that once defined the economic survival of these villages. For those drawn to the deep cultural roots of these waters, the nearby Plivački maraton Vrbnik-Risika offers a complementary perspective on the island's coastline, while the Memorijal Veljka Rogošića remains the standard for those seeking to push their distance limits in the Adriatic.

## The sea and the landscape

As you leave the shelter of Stipanja Bay, the water opens into the Vinodol Channel, a narrow strait that separates Krk from the mainland by only 4.6 kilometers at its tightest point. The environment beneath and around you shifts as you progress toward the Crikvenica shore. Swimmers often sight the rocky formations of the Soline Bay nearby, including the islets of Mali Školjić and the dark, jagged profile of the Crni rock. These minor nadir formations provide a stark contrast to the blue expanse of the open channel. Looking toward the island, the traditional settlement of Polje remains visible from the water; it stands as a preserved remnant of rural architecture, offering a glimpse into the historic, non-touristic life of Krk that remains largely hidden from the modern coastal hubs. Navigating the final approach, the lighthouse at Punta Šilo serves as a constant reference point, its rhythmic beam a fixture for local maritime traffic. The race requires no specialized gear beyond standard competition wear, though participants must adhere to the official race regulations concerning buoyancy aids, which are strictly enforced given the event's long-standing status.