Nantucket to Martha's Vineyard Jaws Relay Swim

In 1948, the residents of Edgartown and Chappaquiddick were in urgent need of a reliable connection across the harbor. They rallied to build a ferry in under two weeks, christening it 'On Time'—a name that, despite its humble origins, became a permanent fixture of the local maritime landscape. Today, swimmers participating in the Nantucket to Martha's Vineyard Jaws 18-Mile Open Ocean Relay Swim navigate these same tidal rhythms, crossing the challenging waters of the Nantucket Sound between Eel Point and the Edgartown Lighthouse.

The challenges of the Sound

The crossing, a 28,968-meter relay, demands a technical approach to navigation and endurance. A significant factor in the area's hydrology is the 2007 barrier beach breach, which introduced a persistent three-knot current through Katama Bay and Edgartown Harbor, forcing support crews and kayakers to maintain precise lines. As teams rotate through the water, the passing scenery includes the rare coastal heathland found on Tuckernuck Island, a critical habitat protected from the development found elsewhere in the region. These waters also serve as a vital corridor for grey seals, with nearby Muskeget Island acting as the southernmost breeding ground for the species.

Historical context and logistics

While navigating the sound, swimmers pass landmarks steeped in deeper, more somber history, including the waters near Chappaquiddick Island, where the 1969 incident involving Ted Kennedy remains a poignant reference point for local geography. The Edgartown waterfront, where the finish line stands, is defined by the 19th-century 'Captain's Homes'—mansions built by whaling captains, many of which feature 'widow's walks' designed for maintenance rather than ship-watching. The race, organized by A Long Swim, strictly adheres to traditional English Channel swimming rules, requiring standard swimsuits and prohibiting wetsuits. This commitment to tradition, combined with the logistics of escort power boats and kayakers, reflects the high standard of safety required for such an open-ocean crossing. With an entry fee of $1,000 USD per swimmer, the event supports ALS research and local youth swim programs, maintaining a focus on accessibility and safety in unpredictable ocean conditions.