3^ Golfo di Vasto

On the morning of June 27th, the Vasto waterfront transforms into a gathering point for swimmers who return each year, drawn by the local organizational spirit of the PisGab team. The event, held in the city that stands over the ancient Roman port, begins with the familiar bustle of athletes preparing their gear against a backdrop of coastal history. While the Circuito Adriatico Acque Libere - Vasto provides a broader seasonal context for these waters, this specific race offers a focused challenge with 1500m and 3000m distances. The limited entry cap of 100 participants ensures an intimate atmosphere, allowing for a clear line of sight as the race progresses along the coast.

The coastal horizon

As you navigate the course, the landscape tells tales of strategic defense and ancient maritime life. Looking toward the land, the Castello Caldoresco remains a dominant silhouette, a reminder of the 1464 siege by the army of King Ferdinand I of Aragon that forced the locals to partially dismantle their own fortress to deter further military interest. Further along the swim, you pass the area once known as San Nicola degli Schiavoni, a site that echoes the presence of a 14th-century Slavic community that eventually integrated into the local population. The coastal profile is guarded by the Punta Penna Lighthouse, a 70-meter structure reconstructed in 1948 after its predecessor was leveled during the retreat of German forces in 1944. Beyond the city limits, the Mediterranean Botanical Garden near San Salvo preserves the original Adriatic sand dunes, offering a natural boundary to the race area. If you look toward the inland hills, the medieval towers of the Monteodorisio castle, built with river cobblestones, once served as lookout points over the Sinello River valley to signal approaching ships. These landmarks provide a constant orientation for swimmers, connecting the physical exertion of the race to the long history of the Vasto coastline.