ST THOMAS — Memorial Day Weekend marks one of the territory’s largest fundraisers for kids’ swim programs, marine conservation, education outreach, and more. The Beach to Beach Power Swim is recognized as one of the most beautiful swims in the world. Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and Trunk Bay are the beaches included in this yearly open-water swim that draws visitors from around the world.
Organized by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, the philanthropic, non-profit partner of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, USVI, this event raises funds to support several natural and cultural resource protection programs like turtle conservation, coral reef preservation, community swim lessons, and more. “We are excited to once again invite swimmers from near and far to swim from Maho to Cinnamon, or to Trunk, or the full 3.5-mile-long course to Hawksnest,” said Tonia Lovejoy, Executive Director of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “Conceived as a fundraiser for marine protection and youth programs like Learn to Swim, it’s extraordinary how this swim has grown from its inception 21 years ago.” The swim is #23 on the list of the World’s Top 100 Open Water Swims and #7 on the World’s Top 100 Island Swims.
Swimmers can compete as an individual over one of three courses:
- Short Course (1 mile) — Maho Beach to Cinnamon Beach
- Intermediate Course (2.25 miles) — Maho Beach to Trunk Bay Beach
- Long Course (3.5 miles) — Maho Beach to Hawksnest Bay Beach
Additionally, swimmers can compete as part of a 3-person team over the entire course (Maho Beach to Hawksnest Bay Beach) with relay team transition points at Cinnamon Beach and Trunk Bay Beach. In each event, swimmers can also compete in the “assisted” category using snorkel, fins, and/or exposure suits. The non-refundable registration fees for the swim will be donated to Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Swimmers 17 & under are $30 each; adults 18+ are $65. For the relay race, the youth fee is $90; the adult fee is $195. Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 22 at 3pm, or when capacity has been reached.
The 21st Annual Beach to Beach Power Swim will take place on Sunday, May 26. Registration is from 7-7:30am and the race starts at 8am. The reception and awards ceremony will take place at Trunk Bay immediately after the race ends. To learn more, visit the event page on the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park website at www.friendsvinp.org/power-swim.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard
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