Turkish Victory Day Hellespont Swim
Trip Information
Practical Information
Start Point: Çanakkale
Start Time: 8pm on Saturday 28th August 2010
Finish Point: Çanakkale
Finish Time: 10am on Tuesday 31st August 2010
Getting There
There are a number of scheduled services operating to Istanbul from various British and European cities. From Istanbul you can either fly or take the bus.
Flying
Turkish Air flies directly from Ataturk International Airport on Thursday and Sunday at 1615. http://www.thy.com/
SwimTrek Bus
Departs from Ataturk(1400 &1700) and Sabiha Gokcen(1315) airport on Saturday 28th Aug and will go direct to Canakkale.
Return (31st Aug & 1st Sep)
Departs Canakkale at 0645 and will drop off at Ataturk, Istanbul Town Centre and Sabiha Gokcen. When booking Return flights look at departures around 1500 -1600 for Ataturk & 1630 - 1730 for Sabiha Gokcen.
Local Bus
Takes approximately 6 hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale. You need to catch a bus from “Otogar” just 10km west of the centre of Istanbul. The “Otogar” is on the same metro line as Ataturk International Airport where most international flights come into.
Passports and Visas:
You require a full passport, that should be valid for 6 months beyond the expected length of stay. You should check if you require a visa. British, Irish, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens do require a visa which can be purchased for around €15 before passport control. Some EU members do not need a visa. Visa regulations do change. Please check!
Swimming Information
Temperatures:-
Water Temperature(˚C) Air Temperature(˚C)
August 26 34
Swim Event Type:
This event is a swim race organised by local authorities and is not organised by SwimTrek. There is a time limit of 1½ hours to complete the course. The Turkish Coastguard reserve the right of removing swimmers from the water if they do not finish the crossing by this time.
In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no reserve days available but there is an opportunity for an alternate coastal swim route.
N.B. The safety cover for the event is provided by the local race organisers and other relevant local authorities.
SwimTrek assume no responsibility for the safety of this event. You will be required to sign a waver document during registration to confirm that you understand and agree to this.
Race Only Places Available:
A limited number of swim only places are available giving you the freedom to arrange your own travel and accommodation. You must attend the race briefing on the 29th August. For details please contact the SwimTrek office.
Swimming Distances:
Hellespont is 4½km
(Swim is current assisted, which is approx equivalent of 3-3½ km).
Wetsuit Availability:
Due to the nature of the event and the amicable water temperature, wetsuits are not available from SwimTrek. However you are welcome to bring your own.
Medical Criteria
The race organisers will be carrying out a medical examination of all swimmers on the morning of the event. Please contact us if you have further questions on this.
Essential Equipment:
In addition to “normal” daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:
Swimming Costume (2 of) Sweater/Fleece
Swimming Goggles (2 of)* Sun Hat
Towel Waterproof Sun Cream
Waterproof jacket
* Try to bring 1 clear lens and 1 tinted lens for different light conditions.
Please note that the race organisers will supply numbered swim hats. You may of course bring any other kit that you want.
General Information
Accommodation:
In order to maximise the enjoyment of the tour, our accommodation is a 3* hotel , based on twin-share (single rooms at an additional cost of £100) and en-suite facilities. To accommodate the large numbers on this trip, we are spread across 4 - 5 hotels that are within 5 minutes walk of each other.
Meals:
All breakfasts are included as well as a pasta meal after the briefing on Sunday and the post race dinner on Monday. Other lunches and dinners are not included, but this gives you the ability to choose when, where and with whom you would like to dine.
Additional Tours:
The two tours to Troy and Gallipoli are optional and at an additional cost, which can be organised through our agent in Turkey.
Vaccinations:
There are no essential vaccination requirements for Turkey. Although the risks are low you may wish to obtain vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and check that your polio and tetanus vaccinations are up to date.
Extra Expenses:
You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as entertainment, meals and any of the additional tours etc… Local currency is Turkish Lira (YTL)