Leandro Cruz Prepares for 42-Kilometer Crossing Between Porto Santo and Madeira
Brazilian swimmer Leandro Cruz is set to attempt one of the most demanding open-water challenges in Europe: the 42-kilometer crossing from Porto Santo to Madeira. The swim is scheduled to start on Saturday, September 6, at 6:00h local time, departing from Porto Santo. Cruz expects the journey to last around 14 hours, depending on sea conditions.
The route is recognized and regulated by the World Open Water Swimming Association, which sets strict rules for safety and fairness. Support boats will accompany the athlete throughout the crossing, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing assistance if necessary.
36 Year-Old Had Fourteen Months of Training
Cruz, 36, has dedicated more than a year to prepare for this challenge. He began training in 2024, focusing exclusively on long-distance swimming. The preparation included physical endurance, mental resilience, and adaptation to unpredictable sea conditions.
It was 14 months of long preparation, a lot of training, a lot of mental preparation (…) I feel prepared for this great challenge, one of the biggest in Europe today.
Leandro Cruz, RTP Madeira
Inspired by Previous Competitions
The swimmer is not new to Madeira. He previously participated in a 30-kilometer event on the island, which introduced him to the endurance community there. It was during that event that he learned about Mayra Santos, the only woman who has completed the Porto Santo–Madeira crossing.
I got in touch with SUIM Madeira, learned that this crossing was fully regulated by the World Open Water Swimming Association, and decided to take on the adventure
Leandro Cruz, RTP Madeira
High Costs and Rare Opportunities
Organizing such an attempt involves significant expenses, including multiple support boats and licenses. Cruz noted that the financial and logistical demands make opportunities for long-distance swims rare. His last major crossing took place in 2023, with only smaller events afterward to maintain his endurance.
Long-distance events are very expensive. (…) They require many boats, many permits, so there is not always the opportunity to do them
Leandro Cruz, RTP Madeira
If successful, Cruz will join a small group of swimmers who have completed the Porto Santo–Madeira crossing, adding his name to the growing tradition of open-water endurance swimming in the region.
Source: RTP Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments