Start line is Sheraton Resort at Mulifanua, Upolu. The finish line is Lusia's Lagoon & Chalets lodge in Salelologa, Savai'i. The finish line is 1 km from the wharf.
The swim is 22.3 km and runs East to West in the direction of the prevailing wind and current flow.
Physical landmarks and distances. Savai'i island is a significant landmark. It's highest peak Mt Silisili (means, highest / tallest) rises to 1858 meters. There are many other peaks on Savai'i over 1,000 meters. All that means is the island is very visible from the start line. However, the finish of the swim is at sea level and this is what your team needs to be familiar with, the best course to the finish.
EXITING the START Your swim may start before sunrise.
Slower swimmers will start before sunrise. You will need to have lights on your boat and kayak to help you navigate in the dark.
Our team will guide you and your boat out to the open sea and safely through the ferry channel. That distance to the open sea is 1.5 km. Swim captain will need to have a bright light on the boat for the swimmers to follow.
LANDMARKS Once cleared of the ferry channel there are major landmarks in Apolima Strait to guide you. There are two islands in the Strait, Manono and Apolima. The swim course is to the right or north of the islands.
The first island to pass is Manono Island (5kms to the end of the island), second is Apolima (10kms). This is the half-way mark of the swim. From Apolima to the headland of Savai'i is another 7kms, and to the finish is 5kms. This is the most challenging part of the swim.
FERRY Channel The other landmark, a moving one, is the ferry line. The swim goes parallel to this line. You will need to be on the left of the ferry line. There are several ferry sailings during the course of the swim.
ENTRY to Savai'i It is all open sea to the Reef on Savai'i. We will be on hand to guide you through the reef. Once you reach the reef, it is just over 1 km to the finish at Lusia's Lagoon & Chalets.
