General Regulations

Amateur Crossings of the Strait of Messina 2026 - Updated December 30, 2025

Art. 1 — Route, Locations and Dates

Route

  • Start: Capo Peloro ‑ Torre Faro (ME)
  • Finish: Cannitello (RC) — Beach in front of Cannitello seafront (or vice versa)

Dates: 1st June — 30th September 2026 (the precise dates will be communicated by March the 15th)

Crossing day: meeting point by the beach of Cannitello — Villa S.G. (RC) before the boat trip to Capo Peloro (Dates and times will be scheduled)

The day before crossing: meeting point at 6 pm in Cannitello — Villa S.G. (RC) (the exact location will be communicated later on)

Art. 2 — Participants

A maximum of 30 participants will be registered for the event.

Given the amateur nature of the event, all individuals of both sexes with the following features can participate:

  • 14 years of age or older by the date of crossing
  • possess a valid competitive swimming medical certificate by the date of crossing
  • have a proven swimming ability

2.1 — During the event, participants must behave appropriately, respecting the environment and without causing any damage to the landscape. Waste (gels, empty bottles/water bottles, etc.) must be kept or can be thrown away in the designated areas. Any violation of these simple rules will cause the elimination from the event.

Art. 3 — Accreditation

A meeting with participants will be held at 6:00 PM the day before crossing to confirm their attendance and to collect their race pack.

The following points will be covered at the briefing:

  • General information about the crossing (path, routes, currents, safety)
  • Delivery of "Race pack"
  • Participant identification and original medical certificate check
  • Checking sailing speed
  • Assigning personal numbers and boat numbers
  • Delivery of buoys (for those who haven't)
  • Any clarifications: the organizers will answer participants' questions

Art. 4 — Registration (up to 15 days before the event date)

Registration can be completed by sending an email to traversatastrettoamatoriale@gmail.com:

  • The completed and signed registration form (Registration form ‑ annex A)
  • Receipt of registration fee transfer (Basic or Plus)
  • A medical certificate for competitive swimming (valid by the date of crossing)
  • for minors under the age of 18, both parents must sign the registration form (Annex A.1) to authorize the participation of the crossing and to disclaim any responsibilities to Messina Port Authority
  • A copy of their identity document and tax code; if the participant is a minor, a copy of their parents' identity documents as well
  • Regulation signed
  • Possible form request of the "Transfer service"

4.1 Participants will be accepted up to 15 days before the event.

4.2 The crossing is subject to the sole approval of Messina Port Authority, which, in the event of unsafe conditions, can decide to suspend and/or cancel the crossing.

4.3 If the crossing is suspended or cancelled the participant can choose the following options:

  • register free of charge for a crossing of their choice, from those available on calendar, during the current or the following year
  • Transfer the registration to a third party

Under no circumstances the registration fee will be refunded.

4.3.1 In the event of cancellation and/or rescheduling of the crossing due to force majeure beyond the organizers' control, never and under no circumstances, no refund, even partial, of travel, food and lodging expenses will be provided.

4.3.2 In case of cancellation or suspension of the crossing, the AMS Messina Port Authority has no responsibility concerning refund or anything like that, because such matter is a personal subject of this organization and it is regulated by article 4.3.

4.3.3 Scheduled departure time is indicative and can change due to logistic and/or safety reasons.

4.4 Pre‑registration: is understood as the process of the registration without specifying a precise date (usually prior to the official publication of dates), and it grants the participant priority in selecting available dates according to the chronological order of arrival and until the limit of 30 spots per date is reached. Pre‑registration can be completed until the official calendar of dates is published.

Art. 5 — Costs

5.1 — Registration fee

  • Basic: €250.00 for person (possibility of down payment until 30/04/2026)
  • Plus: €350.00 for person (possibility of down payment until 30/04/2026)

To be paid to: Asi Nuoto Sud Italia — Monte dei Paschi di Siena (RC) Iban: IT74H0103016300000003987214 ‑ BIC/SWIFT: PASCITMMREG description: name and surname of the participant/s ‑ date

Registration, together with the required documents, entitles you to:

ServiceBASICPLUS
Participation in the Strait Crossing (2026 or 2027 Season)
Technical Assistance
Medical Assistance
Sea rescue Assistance
Pre‑race briefing
Certificate of Participation
Glass commemorative medal
Swimming cap
T‑shirt with logo
Group souvenir photo
Post race refreshments
1 Support Boat every 3 participants
1 Personal support boat
Up to 3 companions

Art. 6 — Timing

A manual timing service will be provided by the Italian Timekeeping Federation, in order to provide further information to the participant.

Art. 7 — Support Boat Assistance

One support boat will be provided every three participants (Basic option), only the lifeguard may be on board of it.

Art. 8 — Recommended/Allowed Equipment

Each participant must bring the following:

  • Marker buoy

8.1 Furthermore, each participant is free to use: wetsuit, racing swimsuit, snorkel, paddles, fins, etc.

Art. 9 — Insurance

Each participant will be registered for insurance purposes with one of the two organizing associations and will have insurance coverage provided by ASI Sports Promotion Board's B Card.

Art. 10 — Liability

The organization declines all liability for damages that may arise to participants, third parties, or property before, during, or after the event, or in any way related to it.