World Record Swim from Calvi to Monaco to be attempted by Noam Yaron
Noam Yaron is preparing to take on a major, record-breaking challenge: swimming across the Mediterranean from Calvi to Monaco. The 180 kilometre swim is planned to be accomplished without leaving the water over three days and three nights. Never has so much distance been covered in the water by a human and it will be dangerous. The swim is set to commence at the end of this week, weather permitting. It will be supervised by a team responsible for monitoring his health and his supplies.
“Between the storms and the waves reaching two metres, we’ll see if I can begin on schedule,” said Noam Yaron.
How will this feat be accomplished?
The 27-year-old Swiss man is planning to arrive at the Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco after three days and three nights without sleep and without getting out of the water.
He has been preparing by carrying out tests in the sea because it’s different to fresh water, one can float more in salt water. But salt can be harmful to one’s skin if exposed to it for too long. For sleep, he will be using hypnosis (or swim while “pausing” part of his brain. This is what whales and dolphins do). Lots of experts will surround him and the colour of the light at night will help keep his mind awake.
Why attempt such a daring swim?
The reason for this epic swim is a noble one: to highlight the preservation of waters and marine species. This won’t be the swimmer’s first big challenge, he already crossed Lake Geneva, which is 80 kilometres across, as well as the five largest lakes in Switzerland.
Noam Yaron is followed by hundred of thousands of people on social media and reaches more than six million users per month. He has invited all of his subscribers to follow him on this journey through a fundraiser that will ultimately finance conservation projects in the Mediterranean.
Meeting with Prince Albert II
On Wednesday 21 August, The swimmer met with Prince Albert II. The Sovereign asked Noam Yaron about his world record attempt. The Prince Albert II Foundation is supporting the challenge. The Rotary Club of Monaco, the Pelagos Sanctuary, TV Monaco and Le Meridien are also supporting the project.
“I will attempt the world’s longest Swim for Nature… as part of an awareness-raising campaign for water preservation and biodiversity protection in the Mediterranean Sea,” said Noam Yaron, “nature needs us, it’s time to act.”
Prince’s Carabiniers to assist the swimmer
The Prince’s Carabiniers have been enlisted to support Noam Yaron, who reached out to the carabiniers after realizing he needed protection from jellyfish, which are currently abundant in the Mediterranean. With the approval of Prince Albert II, carabiniers Jérémy Collin and Thomas Michenet spent nearly 72 hours crafting an anti-jellyfish net in the unit’s garage. The structure, made of PVC tubes and protective nets, is designed to float using foam and will be towed by a catamaran ahead of Yaron during his swim. After successful flotation tests in Port Hercule, the net was dismantled for transport to Corsica, where it will be reassembled for the swim.