Everything you need to know for the Sandsend to Whitby Swim
We can’t wait for you to join us for the Whitby Regatta Swim. Please take your time to read the following information.
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TIMINGS
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The swim will take place on Saturday 9th August at 1pm.
Please arrive at the start point no later than 12pm for registration and to receive your compulsory swim cap and wristband. You will also be asked to sign a disclaimer before entering the water. View disclaimer.
There will be a final ten and five minute warning at which point you must be wearing your swim cap/wristband.
​​Please note if the weather conditions prevent the swim from taking place on the Saturday, the reserve date and time is Sunday 10th August at 2pm.
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​ROUTE
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The race begins on Sandsend beach opposite the public toilets/doctor’s surgery (YO21 3SU).
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We will be beside the steps down to the beach, please keep these clear for other beach users.
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At the sound of the horn, all swimmers will enter the water and swim around the first pyramid shaped race marker.
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Please swim on the seaward side of the markers, keeping them on your right hand side.
Continue along the shore towards Whitby, following the yellow and red markers. Our kayak crews will ensure you stay on course.
We ask that you keep clear of the shore to avoid members of the public. Keep as close to the race markers as possible whilst keeping them on your right hand side.
As you approach the piers at Whitby you will see the large final race marker which is a yellow sphere marked FINISH. Please ensure that you swim around this final marker before exiting to the beach.
Please note: You must pass through the finish arch on the beach to finish the race. At this point your time will be logged.
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Check out
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After passing through the arch you must take off your wristband and place it on the numbered check out board, marshals will be there to help.
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It is vital that you check out of the swim. If you cannot check out for any reason please make sure your swim buddy does this for you. Failure to check out could result in a search and rescue operation.
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After checking out you will receive a race finisher's goody bag, hot drink and snack.
Timings will be provided one week after the event.
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Presentation
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After the race, we invite you to join us for trophy presentation at Whitby Yacht Club. (Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU) The club is above the lifeboat shop/museum with the entrance around the side. (See images)
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The club will be open from 2pm, with toilets and changing area available.
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Light snacks will be provided by us and the bar will be open for hot and cold drinks.
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At 4pm we will present a trophy to the winners of each race. This is a great chance to meet other swimmers and relax after the swim, we'd love it if you could join us either for a little while or until the presentation. Swim buddies are welcome too!
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Tides/Currents
The race takes place during an incoming tide - this means you will be swimming with the flow of the tide and not against it.
We expect the race to take approximately 1-2 hours depending on ability.
Please note in the Upgang Ravine area there can sometimes be strong currents.
Safety crews will be on hand at all times. If you are struggling at any point please remain calm and raise your hand and the safety crew will come to your assistance. You may take a short rest break holding onto a kayak.
Any swimmers still in the water 2.5 hours after the start of the race will be asked to exit the water and leave the race to ensure their own safety as well as that of the safety crew as we approach high tide.
Equipment
You are advised to arrive ‘swim-ready’ as there are no changing facilities on the beach. E.g. with swimwear on underneath a changing robe or loose clothing.
Please note there will be nowhere to leave your clothing/belongings at the start of the race as we are on a public beach. Belongings must be given to your designated swim buddy to bring to the finish line.
Swimwear - a wetsuit or swim suit is permitted, you may also wear boots/gloves. Anything that aids propulsion eg fins, are not permitted.
Tow float - COMPULSORY this ensures you are visible to our safety crews.
Swim cap - COMPULSORY and provided by us at the start of the race.
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Wrist band - COMPULSORY and provided by us at the start of the race.
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Recommended:
Goggles
Whistle (many tow floats come with a whistle attached)
Warm layers for afterwards
Towel
Hot drink
Snacks
Sunscreen
Please label your equipment with your name. It would be helpful if your 'In Case of Emergency' contact number is written on your tow float.
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Swim Buddy
Your swim buddy is responsible for your belongings on the day, they will need to be at the start of the race to take your belongings to the finish line.
Your swim buddy may choose to walk along the beach or travel by road to Whitby to the finish line. Sandsend to Whitby is a two mile walk along the beach so come prepared.
More than one swimmer may share the same swim buddy.
Please note that certain sections of the beach are subject to a dog ban.
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Please let us know if you change your swim buddy as we will hold their contacts on the day in case of emergency.
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Safety
First aiders/paramedics will be situated at the finish line at Battery Parade, Whitby. There are also RNLI Lifeguards at Sandsend and Whitby.
During the race safety crew will be in the water on boats and kayaks. Please look out for these as you swim as they are there to keep you on course and offer assistance if needed.
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If you get into any difficulty in the water, the most important thing is to stay calm. Help is close by.
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Please float on your back and raise an arm if you require assistance. Blow your whistle if you have one.
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You are permitted to take a short rest holding on to a kayak and continue the race but if you leave the water either on the shore or onto a boat you will not be permitted to continue.
Be aware that rowing races will be underway further out to sea, but our marshals will make sure you do not get too close.
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If you exit the race via the beach before the finish line please report to the nearest beach marshal. Make sure you are signed out of the race. Failure to sign out may result in a search and rescue operation.
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Common issues and suggestions
Cramp: if you get cramp we recommend lying on your back in the water and gently stretching the muscle. If it does not ease, raise your arm to alert the safety crew. Make sure you are hydrated before you begin the swim to avoid cramp and warm up before the race.
Exhaustion: Try mixing up your stroke for a while or float on your back for a few seconds and stretch out. If you are still struggling please raise your hand for assistance.
Jellyfish sting: there is a chance on the day we may be visited by jellyfish, if you do get stung you may wish to continue swimming, however if you require assistance please raise your arm.
Heat stroke: If we are forecast a sunny day please apply a suitable waterproof sunscreen before the race and make sure you are well hydrated.
Pre - race nutrition
Please ensure you are well hydrated and have eaten on the day. We recommend eating your usual pre-race meals and not trying something new on the day - stick to what you know.
Water Temperature
The average water temperature for Whitby in August is 14 to 17°C
If you are not used to swimming in these temperatures for long distances we recommend wearing a wetsuit.
Weather Conditions and Cancellations
As you know the sea is unpredictable. We will let you know as soon as we possibly can if we need to cancel the race.
In the event of a mid-race cancellation our decision is final, you must leave the water immediately.
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A mid race cancellation will be signalled via continuous blasts of an air horn.
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It will be extremely disappointing for everyone involved if we have to cancel the swim at short notice but the safety of our swimmers and safety crew is our priority.
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Prizes
We are delighted to let you know that the first place swimmer in each race will receive one of the original Whitby Regatta Swim trophies, The Sandsend to Whitby trophy dates back to 1912.
As per Whitby Regatta tradition there are some small monetary prizes awarded to the winners of each race.
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1st £30
2nd £20
3rd £10
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Every swimmer will receive a goody bag at the end of the swim.
Leave no trace
As residents of Whitby and regular sea swimmers it is very important to us that we keep our beach clean and tidy. We ask that all swimmers leave no trace - please take your rubbish home with you.
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Parking
Please be aware that due to it being Whitby Regatta, Whitby and Sandsend will be extremely busy.
Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space.
Sandsend Road On Street Parking YO21 3SX - Pay and display
East Row Car Park YO21 3SU - Pay and display
Sandsend Council Car Park YO21 3TD - Pay and display
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The Arriva bus service runs regularly from Sandsend to Whitby and back.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/x4-x4a-middlesbrough-to-whitby
Both races finish on the beach in front of Battery Parade, the nearest car parks are:
Whitby Leisure Centre YO21 3HT - Pay and display
Marina Car Park YO22 4AG - Pay and display.
Local taxi firms:
White Rose Taxis - 01947 604604
Abbey Taxis - 01947 606666
Esk Taxis - 01947 605705
Public toilets
Sandsend start line - on the Sandsend road as you leave the village towards Whitby, beside the doctors surgery. Free of charge.
Whitby beach hut area - Beach Management Centre amongst the beach huts - Free of charge
Whitby finish line- Pier Road, just up the slip way from the finish point. 50p Charge.
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