TRB Ametlla de Mar

On the morning of the race, L'Ametlla de Mar sheds its quiet demeanor as the local community and visiting swimmers gather along the L'Alguer beach. Organised by Balfegó Grup, this event draws its character from the town's deep-rooted maritime heritage, reflecting a connection to the sea that culminates in the annual Saint Peter’s Day procession. For those seeking a different cadence, the calendar offers the iconic Port del Fangar swim just weeks earlier, yet the challenge here in the Gulf of Saint George remains distinct for its open-water demands.

Historical and natural landmarks

As you navigate the 5,000-meter course, you swim back from the aquaculture pools toward the shoreline, passing through waters where the clarity is sustained by extensive Posidonia meadows. These submerged prairies are fundamental to the ecosystem of the municipality’s 30 bays, and they are visible beneath you during the quieter stretches of the swim. Looking towards the coast, the silhouette of the Castell de Sant Jordi d'Alfama provides a constant navigational reference. Constructed in the early 18th century as a defensive bastion, this fortress serves as a silent witness to your progress through the gulf. While you focus on your stroke, the region’s long relationship with water management is further echoed in the nearby Sant Jordi estate, which preserves a collection of 6,500 pieces of traditional Iberian pottery—a subtle reminder of the vessels that have historically defined human interaction with this landscape.

Race logistics and safety

The logistics of the day are dictated by the offshore nature of the 5,000-meter and 2,000-meter distances, which require boat transportation from the port to the starting zones. This necessity accounts for the race fees, which range between 20 and 55 EUR depending on the distance selected. Participants in the 2,500-meter circuit remain closer to the coastline, navigating the rectangular course that starts and finishes directly on the sand. While the town is home to an astronomical observatory that has mapped minor planets, your focus on race day remains entirely on the surface. The event structure ensures safety in these open waters, maintaining a professional standard that supports the swimming community as they traverse the coastal currents of this part of the Mediterranean.