09:00-12:00 Acclimatisation Swim

On the morning of Day 2, there is an opportunity to take part in an acclimatisation swim on a private beach, a short walk out of Çanakkale’s bustling centre. This is a great chance for you to get used to the swimming conditions.

12:00 Race Registration (Compulsory)

At the race registration, you will be given your swim hats and timing chips in preparation for the next morning’s swim. Please note that registration is compulsory in order to take part in the event.

13:00 Pre-Race Pasta Lunch

This basic pasta buffet meal is put on by the local Rotary Club and offers you an opportunity to meet up with Turkish swimmers.

14:00 Boat Tour (Compulsory)

This boat tour is a great opportunity to travel along the swim route on a privately-hired ferry. You will be given a commentary on suggested swim directions, tactics and other general information that you may find useful. Please note that the boat tour is also compulsory in order to take part in the event.

08:00 Race Meeting Time

We meet promptly at 08:00 for a bag drop and to catch the ferry to the race start point on the European side of the Dardanelles.

09:00-11:00 Hellespont Swim Main Event

The world’s most concentrated shipping lane is closed to all traffic as we participate in the annual Turkish Remembrance Victory Day Hellespont Swimming race. You can either race to win it or just go along at your own pace and enjoy swimming in the wake of Leander and Byron. The awards ceremony will then be from 15:00-16:00.

19:30 Post Swim Dinner

This complimentary dinner for all competitors gives you a chance to celebrate your achievement with your fellow competitors at a renowned local restaurant.

07:00-11:00 Hotel Check Out

You have a relaxing morning to recover from the previous day's exertions, departing at your convenience. You will have the option of taking a tour to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where it is possible to swim off one of its beaches.

Race Equipment

Due to the nature of the event and the mild water temperature, wetsuits are not available from SwimTrek. The race organisers do allow swimmers to wear wetsuits during the crossing, however please be aware that using a wetsuit means that you will be ineligible for any of the race awards. Compulsory swim hats will be given out on the day of the race by the event organisers. You should bring a swim costume, goggles and a towel.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Race Caveat

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.

Coaching Clinic

If you arrive early to Çanakkale, you have the opportunity to attend a pre-race Hellespont coaching clinic with your SwimTrek coaches, from 10 am to 12 noon. They will offer some advice and coaching tips, including some drill sessions and demonstrations, in order to help improve your technique just in time for the race.

Pre-Event Medical (Compulsory)

The race organisers require a signed medical document from a doctor / medical practitioner prior to attending the race. This will be forwarded to all participants after they have completed their booking.

Acclimatisation Swim (Optional)

On the morning of Day 2, there is an opportunity to take part in an acclimatisation swim on a private beach, a short walk out of Çanakkale’s bustling centre. This is a great chance for you to get used to the swimming conditions.

Race Registration (Compulsory)

At the race registration, you will be given your swim hats and timing chips in preparation for the next morning’s swim. Please note that registration is compulsory in order to take part in the event.

Boat Tour (Compulsory)

This boat tour is a great opportunity to travel along the swim route on a privately-hired ferry. You will be given a commentary on suggested swim directions, tactics and other general information that you may find useful. Please note that the boat tour is also compulsory in order to take part in the event.

Pre-Race Lunch

This basic pasta buffet meal is put on by the local Rotary Club and offers you an opportunity to meet up with Turkish swimmers.

Race Information and Time Limit

The world’s most concentrated shipping lane is closed to all traffic as we participate in the annual Turkish Remembrance Victory Day Hellespont Swimming race. You can either race to win it or just go along at your own pace and enjoy swimming in the wake of Leander and Byron. There is a time limit of two hours to complete the course. The Turkish Coastguard will remove swimmers from the water if they do not finish the crossing by this time.

Swim Distance

The total distance of the Hellespont swim is approximately 4½km, however the swim is current-assisted, which makes it equivalent to swimming approximately 3-3½ km.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, but you need to be aware of potential problems. Marine life such as jellyfish or sea urchins could be present on this swim, however we will work on minimising your contact with these. If stung by jellyfish you can normally carry on swimming. However if you do have a problem we can treat you on one of the escort boats. You should contact us prior to booking if you suffer from Anaphylaxis. You should seek medical attention if you develop any infection following contact with the above.

Race Time Options

On Monday 28 August, the event committee will meet and will decide which of Options 1 or 2 will be selected, based on the most favourable weather forecast. In the case of none of the above options being suitable, an alternative coastal swim will be organised. If none of these 2 days is suitable, then we will offer you a reduced entry for the following year.

Race Organisers

Please be aware that whilst SwimTrek organise the tour part of this package, The Çanakkale Rotary Club are the organisers of the swim and are fully responsible for race safety, logistics and contingency planning.

There are a number of scheduled services operating to Istanbul from various international cities. While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use Skyscanner for alternative flight options for this trip. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Travelling via Istanbul Ataturk International Airport

If you are flying into Ataturk airport, please see the SwimTrek transfer information below. Private transfers can be arranged via SwimTrek Turkey.

Travelling via Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Istanbul

If you are flying into Sabiha Gökçen airport, please see the SwimTrek transfer information below. Private transfers can be arranged via SwimTrek Turkey.

Connecting Flight From Istanbul to Çanakkale

If you would prefer to take a connecting flight instead of the SwimTrek transfer we recommend visiting the following airlines.

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Çanakkale have a short stopover in Ankara, with a total travel time of approximately 3-4 hours. At the time of writing, outbound flights are available at 10:00 and 10:45, with return flights from Çanakkale at 14:10.

BoraJet flies directly from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Çanakkale, with a flight time of approximately 50 minutes. It should be noted that, at the time of writing, outbound flights are only available at 23:55, with an arival time of 00:45. Return flights from Çanakkale depart at 06:00 and arrive at 06:50.

Designated SwimTrek Transfer

If your travel plans coincide with the times of the private Hellespont bus, we would advise that you book onto it, as public transport has proven to be a little unreliable in previous years. To book a place on these buses, please visit SwimTrek Turkey.

Istanbul to Çanakkale

Monday 28 August 2017

Wednesday 31 August and Thursday 1 September 2017

Public Transport

The local bus takes approximately six hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale. You need to catch the bus from the ‘Otogar’, just 10km west of the centre of Istanbul. The ‘Otogar’ is on the same Metro train line as Ataturk International Airport, where most international flights come into. We recommend the ‘Truva’ bus company.

Accommodation

In order to maximise your enjoyment of the tour, we have a choice of accommodation options which are all based on twin-share with en suite facilities. Subject to availability, the accommodation options which will be available to you at the time of booking are the following.

All of our 3 and 4-star hotels are located within 10 minutes walk of each other in the city centre. In order to make the most of your stay in Çanakkale, we recommend staying at one of these hotels. If you choose to stay at the Kolin Hotel, transfers are available for the following events: welcome drinks, acclimatisation swim, boat tour, swim registration, race start, post-race dinner. If you prefer to return to the hotel outside of the normal transfer timetable, you can catch a local taxi for approximately €8. If you require additional nights accommodation before or after the event, please contact our Turkish partner at SwimTrek Turkey.

Supporters Package

There are a limited number of supporters tickets available which include shared accommodation with a race participant, as well as entry into all non-swimming events. We cannot guarantee that supporters will be able to travel to the start of the race on the European side, however in previous years this has usually been possible. In general, it is more advisable for spectators to stay on the Asian side and view the race from the finish line.

Meals

All breakfasts are included as well as the pasta lunch on Tuesday 29 August and the post-race celebration dinner on Wednesday 30 August. Other lunches and dinners are not included, which gives you the option to choose where and with whom you would like eat with.

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 the Turkish Lira (YTL). Cash machines are plentiful in Çanakkale. Additional tours, such as trips to Troy and Gallipoli, can be organised through our partner agency in Çanakkale at an additional cost. Please visit SwimTrek Turkey for more information about tours or additional nights in Istanbul, if you are looking to extend your stay in the city.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Non-residents of Turkey require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand require a visa to enter Turkey. Most foreign nationals entering Turkey must purchase a visa before to entering the country via Turkish Government E-visa. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

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.