Sports National “Race for the Conch” EcoSeaSwim set for this Saturday

The annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim is set for this Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the turquoise waters of Grace Bay with the start and finish in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe.

The now iconic international swim race will feature the 2.4 mile, the 1 mile, and the 1/2 mile plus a 100-metre Children’s Swim for youngsters 10 and under.

The 2.4 miles is scheduled to start at 8 am with a manual briefing at 7:45 am. The 1-mile event will splash off at 10 am with a mandatory briefing 15 minutes prior, while the ½ mile event will get underway at 11 am also with a mandatory briefing 15 minutes before the start.

Co-Founders and Race Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann had said that based on current online sign-up the race should bring in at least 100 swimmers from the US and Canada, with many returning year after year. In addition, the Race Directors expect about 35 TCI residents, including many outstanding local swimmers who took home half the conch trophies in 2022.

The race, which started in 2010, has grown every year to become one of TCI’s top sporting events. In 2021, the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) nominated the “Race for the Conch” as one of the best swimming events in the world.

The race is now a certified WOWSA event. The Race Directors pointed out that the 2023 event could not take place without the generous support from Ocean Club Resorts, Grace Bay Club, Royal West Indies Resort, Projetech, SurfSide Ocean Academy, Whole Health, Graef, Silver Palm Charters, Luxury Experiences, Hartling Group, Natural Trade Distribution, Finishing Touch, Marco Travel, and Caicu Naniki Vacation Adventures.

Essential providers of donated services and products include Red Cross, Big Blue, Stream2Sea Sunscreen, Business Solutions, LMNT Electrolytes, Island Roasters Coffee, Kix Creations, TC Crystal Water, and Blue Loos. The Race Directors also thank the Sports Commission, DECR, Marine Police, Provo Ambulance Service, and TCI Swim Federation for their valuable contribution along with the many volunteers.

The “Race for the Conch”

Eco-SeaSwim is a TCIregistered non-profit and donates proceeds to the Provo Children’s Home, TC Reef Fund, and The Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness TCI. As before, local residents will receive a 50% discount off the full online price. More information can be found at www.ecoseaswim.com.