Travessia Poliana Okimoto — Etapa Bertioga

In 1552, the German mercenary Hans Staden found himself held captive by the indigenous Tupinambá near the Forte de São João in Bertioga. His survival, documented in his famous account of the region's anthropophagic rituals, is a stark reminder of the long and complex history etched into these coastal waters. Today, swimmers entering the sea at Bertioga trace the same lines once watched by the Portuguese sentries of the 16th century, though the experience is now defined by the rhythm of the stroke rather than the threat of conflict. The landscape remains dominated by the Morro da Senhorinha, the hill that marked the site of the area's earliest primitive settlements and serves as a constant point of navigation during the event.

The water and the weather

While the coastline is celebrated for its natural beauty, swimmers must respect the volatility of the local environment. On February 19, 2023, the region surrounding Guaratuba beach experienced an unprecedented meteorological event, recording 682 mm of rainfall in a single day—the highest volume ever officially documented in Brazil. Such intense atmospheric pressure, when combined with the discharge from local rivers into the coastal zone, creates distinct current patterns that athletes must factor into their pacing. These waters have seen their share of historical anomalies, including the 1979 death of the Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele, who suffered a stroke while swimming in these very conditions.

Organized by the Travessia Poliana Okimoto, this annual race brings a high level of technical oversight to the Bertioga Canal and its surrounding beaches. The event attracts those looking to challenge themselves in a venue where history and geography intersect, whether they are tackling the longer distances or shorter introductory loops. For those who find their rhythm here, the circuit offers multiple opportunities to return, as swimmers often bridge their season with the nearby Circuito TH5 Travessia, which frequently utilizes the same coastal arena. Whether you are swimming in the shadow of the oldest Portuguese fortification in Brazil or navigating the influence of the region's intense rainfall history, the race remains a rigorous test of endurance in a location of deep cultural significance.