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Q: Who is SwimHellespont?

A: SwimHellespont is brought to you by SwimTrek, the world leader in open water swimming tours. We’ve been organising crossings of the Hellespont for 8 years now, so you can relax that you are in safe hands as you take on this iconic and historical crossing.

Q: Why go with SwimHellespont & SwimTrek?

A: We are the official organisers of the Byron Swimming Festival and thus all entries are made through us. For the Victory Day Swim we are the exclusive agent for all foreign (i.e. non-Turkish residents) swimmers and hence all bookings are made through us. There are “no” other opportunities during the rest of the year to swim across the Hellespont as the Straits are closed to all non-boat traffic.

Q: Can I do it?

A: Swimming from Europe to Asia is achievable for most swimmers with the right training, ability and enthusiasm. While most people will use front crawl, there are a lot of breast strokers who have been successful, including Lord Byron himself in 1810 who completed the swim in 1hour 10 minutes. The only restriction is a time limit of 1½ hours which is normally enough time for the vast majority of swimmers.

Q: What are the rules?

A: Byron Swim Festival – What you can wear?

Wetsuits are permitted.

A: Turkish Victory Day Swim – What you can wear?

You can only wear a swimming costume, goggles and a swimming cap. As the sea is very warm the vast majority competing do not wear wetsuits, however should you require to wear one, exceptions can be made.

Q: How far is the swim?

A: The race course is from Eceabat (Europe) to Çanakkale (Asia). Even though the point-to-point length of the swim is 3 miles, it is current assisted, so you will be swimming the equivalent of roughly 2 miles.

Q: Do I need to do any Training?

A: Like in any event, race or activity, it is always good to be prepared. Regular and consistent swim training of up to three times per week prior to this event will certainly aid your enjoyment. Swim training will vary depending on your swimming ability, familiarisation with open water and the ability to acclimatise to cold water.

For all Open Water swimming tips and general advice, go to the SwimTrek Coaching Information Page.

Q: Why the relatively high price?

A: This swim crosses one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and military sites. For up to 2 hours these straits are closed to all shipping. For this privilege we require various civilian and military permits all of which incur a fee. In addition, the relatively large number of  escort boats accompanying the swim across open sea is another factor. The price for this trip includes:

• • Race Entry.
  • Accommodation & Breakfast.
  • Hellespont Coaching Clinic.
  • SwimTrek post race dinner and celebration.
  • Services of your SwimTrek guides along with local guides.
  • In May (Participation in the Byron Festival).
  • In August (Optional 1/2 day training clinic).
  • Commemorative Goody Bag.

Q: Can I get a swim only price?

A: Yes you can. Please contact us directly to get a swim only price.

Q: How do I get there?

A: You cannot fly directly to Canakkale. The easiest way is to travel to one of Istanbul’s two main airports Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen. From these airports you can fly or take a bus.

FLYING

Turkish Airlines is the only airline that operates between Istanbul’s Ataturk airport and Canakkale airport. However flights are limited. Flight details are provided below:

Byron Swim Festival

Victory Day Swim

For detailed flight details and prices please visit www.turkishairlines.com

SWIMTREK BUS

This service has two scheduled departure times from both Istanbul airports taking you direct to Canakkale. It will take approximately 5 hours and light refreshments are available on-board. Buses are also available for the return journey to both of Istanbul’s airports along with a stop off in the city centre. For full bus time information please check out the Trip Notes for each event.

This bus can be booked through our local agent Wilusa Travel who are based in Canakkale.

Q: Can non–swimmers join me?

A: Non- Swimmers are welcome to join swimmers to watch, cheer and support everyone on this memorable swim! However there are a limited number of hotel rooms available, consequently making overall non-swimmer places limited in number. Non-swimmers will be unable to follow competitors in a boat, but are welcome to enjoy the festivities and excitement at the finish area, which is a great location to view the race.
For all non swimmer enquiries and bookings please contact the SwimTrek office.