17° Kilometro Rivano

The morning of the 17° Chilometro Rivano in Riva Trigoso carries a distinct atmosphere, defined by the local passion of the ASD Aquamanara 1968. This club has cultivated a deep connection with these waters, drawing swimmers who return annually to navigate the same coastal stretch that once defined the geography of the town itself. As you prepare on the shore, you are looking out at a peninsula that, until the Middle Ages, functioned as an isolated island before the alluvial deposits of the Gromolo stream forged the isthmus that anchors the modern settlement of Sestri Levante.

Historical currents and landmarks

Swimming along this coastline is an exercise in navigating both water and memory. The route offers a vantage point of the Punta Manara promontory, where the 140-meter-high watchtower remains a silent witness to a turbulent maritime past. This structure was vital for spotting the approach of Saracen and Turkish pirates, who subjected the coastal inhabitants to devastating raids in 1542 and 1607. While you focus on your stroke, it is easy to imagine the urgency that once defined this horizon, long before it became a sanctuary for open water enthusiasts. The area is also marked by the memory of the SS Principessa Jolanda, a massive luxury liner that met an abrupt end just off the shipyard in 1907. Today, however, the only challenge is the rhythmic pull of the sea against the backdrop of the San Nicolo dell'Isola church, whose medieval spire watches over the bay.

Race day experience

The 1-km course is designed to be accessible yet deeply tied to the local marine environment. It is a straightforward test of pace along the coastline, far removed from the more complex logistical requirements of longer events like the Bay Night Swimming held earlier in August. For those who find the local waters of Riva Trigoso compelling, the season often includes other regional challenges nearby, such as the Cavi Sestri Open Water Swimming in May. The event relies on the steady, temperate conditions of the Ligurian summer, providing a reliable environment for swimmers to test themselves in a setting where every buoy marker is framed by the rugged beauty of the Italian Riviera.