Thank you to all of you that have registered for the fifth annual Swim the Sound. This page will list all the information that you'll need to get the most out of the swim and ensure that you have an enjoyable, and most importantly, a safe swim.  We shall endeavour to answer all of you questions however if you do want any more information please feel free to email : visar@surfbvi.com or call Katie Claxton at (284) 494-4357. 

Race Start Time:  The race will start at 10:30am after the short pre-race briefing.  Registration and race number allocation will be open from 8:30am.   Please proceed to the registration desk as soon as you arrive at Saba Rock.

Where to Stay:  If you are Swimming the Sound, you may want to stay close by.

Saba Rock is offering special rates for swimmners with rooms ranging from $100 - $195 including breakfast. All rooms have a/c, satellite tv, and king sized beds. They will offer a discount room rate for STS participants it they mention STS.  Visit their website at www.sabarock.com.

Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, please see their website www.leverickbay.com to make reservations.  Staying at Leverick makes travel to and from Saba Rock very easy.  The VISAR Boat, Spirit, will pick you up in the morning to bring you to the race start.  You will then swim and the race ends at Leverick.

Bitter End yacht Club is offering special rates for swimmers of $250 per person per night, room only.   Call 800-872-2392, or locally at 284-494-2746 to book your room.

Getting there:

VISAR will be arranging special transportation for this event.  Once you register online you will recieve a confirmation email with confirmation of your registration along with any transportation options still available.  Register early to take part in the special transportation options.

Safety Notes

a) This is an open water swim course. Each entrant is responsible for his or her own safety and knowledge of the course.

b) The North Sound is relatively deep, in excess of 80 feet in some places, however closer to the shore it can get quite shallow. Please be aware of the depth of water you are swimming in and avoid touching the bottom or any coral.

c) Swimmers should exercise extreme caution at the Start, you will be swimming through a mooring field. Any boats on mooring balls will be informed that a swimming race is in progress and asked to refrain from moving around the area whilst there are swimmers in the vicinity. However swimmers should be careful when swimming close to boats as they may move. Listen for running engines.  At Leverick bay swimmers should be wary of Boat Traffic approaching or leaving the fuel dock. Any boats in the Marina will be requested to move before the swimmers arrive or wait until all swimmers have finished before moving.  The same advice as above also applies to the mooring field at Leverick Bay.

d) Kayaks will accompany swimmers to provide flotation devices and other assistance to swimmers in distress. Safety support boats, with VISAR personnel, 2 other patrol boats and 4 dinghies will back up the kayaks to provide emergency assistance if necessary.  If you need assistance, remove your swim cap and wave it in the air to catch the attention of the nearest kayaker. If you can, proceed towards the kayak; otherwise wait for the kayak to come to you. Note that once you hold on to a kayak, buoy or safety boat, you are out of competition.

e) Kayaks and safety boats may provide navigational assistance at any potentially confusing or hazardous point and will attempt to control nearby boat traffic crossing the course. However, swimmers are responsible for their navigation. Also, swimmers should be aware of their surroundings and any motorized or sailboat traffic around them at all times.

f) There is a 3 hour time limit for the swim, any swimmer that has not passed through the final gate after 3 hours will be asked to board the nearest safety boat.

g) All Kayaks will have a supply of drinking water. If you require water please ask the nearest Kayak to you. However remember that if you hold onto a Kayak whilst drinking you will be classed as abandoning the race. YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

Assisted Swimmers:  You will be classed as an assisted swimmer if you use a Wet-suit or mask & snorkel or fins.  Please note that Swim paddles or training gloves and snorkel vests or other flotation devices are not permitted.

Lunch:  All swimmers will receive Lunch at Leverick Bay after the swim. This is included in your registration; if you require additional lunch tickets they will be available for $20 each.

Thank You: Thank you for supporting the fourth Swim The Sound, enjoy your swim and we hope you will take the opportunity to spend the afternoon at VISAR's Waterworld Family Fun Day at Leverick Bay after the Swim.