Alaçatı 7-8-9 Ağustos

The AquaRally event at Alaçatı, scheduled for August 7-9, 2026, features open water swim distances of 1000m and 2000m. Swimmers compete in the Aegean Sea, navigating a coastal environment where the water remains characteristically calm and shallow, despite the area's reputation for high wind speeds. This specific stretch of the coastline, including locations such as Altınkum and the sheltered bays near the town, provides a controlled setting for mid-summer competition.

Historical currents and landscapes

As you navigate the course, you are swimming over the legacy of the ancient Ionian town of Embatum, a coastal settlement once documented by the historian Theopompus. The area's history is marked by significant seismic and demographic shifts, notably the 1881 Chios earthquake, which caused widespread devastation across these shores, and the forced migration of 1914, which fundamentally altered the local population structure. Today, the shoreline is defined by traditional stone houses featuring 'cumba'—enclosed balconies painted in shades of pale blue or lilac—that recall the architectural footprint of the Ottoman Greek population. These structures remain a dominant visual feature as you head toward the beach transition points. Beyond the architecture, the surrounding landscape is closely tied to the cultivation of mastic trees, or *Pistacia lentiscus*, which have been central to the local economy and ecology for centuries.

The conditions of the bay

While Alaçatı is internationally recognized as the 'Slalom Capital of the world' due to the consistent winds that attract windsurfing professionals to the bay, the swim routes are managed to leverage protected zones. The race environment is distinct from the open-sea channels, offering a contained swimming experience in temperatures typical of the Aegean in August. Organizers utilize the local topography to ensure the safety of participants, maintaining clear boundaries between the swimming corridors and the zones frequented by water sports enthusiasts. The event requires registration through the AquaRally platform, with logistics tailored to the unique geography of the Çeşme peninsula.