Traversata dello Stretto sees record kite race and prepares for 62nd swimming crossing
The 19th Continent‑Island International GPS Race, a kite‑boarding competition across the Strait of Messina, was held from 22 to 26 July 2026. Organized by NewKiteZone and presided over by Agostino Martino, the event introduced the Electric Foil (e‑foil) category and was the first edition contested with strong Scirocco winds. Real‑time GPS tracking allowed live streaming of the race. Fabio Zema set a new absolute record, completing the crossing in 30 minutes 55 seconds, averaging over 20 knots.
A week later the 62nd swimming Traversata dello Stretto is scheduled for 2 August 2026. Eighty swimmers will start at 10:30 from Capo Peloro in Messina and finish around 11:30 at Villa San Giovanni, now using the modern Piazza delle Repubbliche Marinare as the arrival point. The swim is organized by local authorities, including mayor Giusy Caminiti and assessor Giuseppe Cotroneo, with support from the regional sports committee. Notable participants include Olympic silver‑medalist Rachele Bruni and fellow Fiamme Oro athlete Giulia Gabbrielleschi.
Entities: Agostino Martino · Fabio Zema · Giusy Caminiti · NewKiteZone · Rachele Bruni · Reggio Calabria · Villa San Giovanni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The race broke the absolute distance record and was the first to be contested in strong Scirocco wind. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Real‑time GPS tracking was used, allowing live streaming and interactive maps for spectators. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Fabio Zema completed the crossing in 30 minutes 55 seconds with an average speed over 20 knots. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 62nd swimming Traversata dello Stretto is scheduled for 2 August 2026, departing Capo Peloro at 10:30 and arriving Villa San Giovanni around 11:30. (67ba18c8-4147-41df-a96c-7cca0e6d1631, 84669dcb-fee5-457f-a944-1ccb747d259f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Eighty swimmers will take part, selected through a new qualification system. (67ba18c8-4147-41df-a96c-7cca0e6d1631, 84669dcb-fee5-457f-a944-1ccb747d259f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 19th Continent‑Island International GPS Race took place from 22 to 26 July 2026 between Reggio Calabria and Sicily. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Electric Foil class made its debut in the 2026 race. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Olympic silver‑medallist Rachele Bruni is among the participants in the swimming event. (67ba18c8-4147-41df-a96c-7cca0e6d1631)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Eighty swimmers will compete in the 62nd swimming crossing. (67ba18c8-4147-41df-a96c-7cca0e6d1631, 84669dcb-fee5-457f-a944-1ccb747d259f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The event was organized by NewKiteZone, led by president Agostino Martino. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 19th edition of the Continent‑Island International GPS Race took place from 22 to 26 July 2026. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Fabio Zema set a new record crossing the Strait in 30 minutes 55 seconds. (d5341170-8b7d-4444-a2fc-13d21bce350b, 8a103bd9-541a-4db0-9011-bd4bccb138b0)