Traversata dell'Amicizia / SantAnna Swim 2.0

The Baia delle Favole behaves like a giant, calm amphitheater of deep, cobalt-blue water, shielded from the open sea by the natural geometry of the coast. Experienced swimmers recognize it by the way the currents slacken within its protective arc, a stark contrast to the more volatile conditions one might encounter just a few miles down the coast during the early September races. The water here remains deep and uniform, maintaining a density that rewards a steady, rhythmic stroke. You are swimming over a geological puzzle: the historic center of Sestri Levante is anchored on a peninsula that was once entirely detached from the mainland, only becoming a permanent feature of the coastline through centuries of alluvial deposits from the Gromolo stream and the relentless, patient work of the tides.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the stretch from Cavi Borgo, the view is dominated by the steep, green silhouette of the Punta Manara promontory. At its highest point, a stone watchtower looms 140 meters above the sea, a silent observer that once served as a primary defensive lookout during the 16th and 17th centuries. The area was a frequent target for Turkish and Saracen pirate raids, specifically in 1542 and 1607, when the shoreline was far more vulnerable than it appears today. Looking toward the shore, you might catch a glimpse of the historic church of San Nicolo dell'Isola, which has stood on the promontory since 1151, its spire a constant reference point for those in the water. Further along the rugged cliffs of Monte Castello, the ruins of World War II military fortifications remind you that this strategic passage has been contested for centuries.

Race day logistics

Organized by ASD Aquamanara 1968, the Traversata dell'Amicizia is scheduled for October 10, 2026. The event offers two distinct distances, 2500m and 4000m, designed to test endurance while navigating the specific maritime conditions of the bay. The logistics are carefully managed to ensure safety, particularly regarding the maritime traffic that typically moves through this corridor. While the waters near the coast are generally sheltered, the swim remains a serious undertaking that requires constant sighting of the buoys to maintain an efficient line between the start at Cavi Borgo and the finish at Sestri Levante. Near the construction site of the Cantiere Navale di Riva Trigoso, swimmers pass the invisible memory of the 1907 sinking of the SS Principessa Jolanda, which went down during its maiden launch. The water temperature in early October can still be mild, but the transition toward autumn often brings cooler bottom layers, making the choice of gear a tactical decision for the 4000m distance.