56th Edition of the Bay Crossing Celebrated in Matanzas

The bay of Matanzas once again became the setting this Saturday for one of the most traditional open water swimming events in Cuba.

In its 56th edition, the Crossing of the Yumurino bay brought together swimmers from different clubs in this province and Havana, in a day marked by competition and exchange among athletes.

Matanzas native Héctor Calatayú Santana, 48, took first place in the 2026 edition.

The representative of the Etecsa club faced the two kilometers with specific preparation that included open water training sessions and a five-kilometer route completed last Monday.

Calatayú Santana explained that he arrived with the intention of improving the current record, although the bay’s conditions made that difficult.

«There was some current,» said the swimmer, who finished approximately one minute above the record but highlighted the good sensations during the course.

Beyond the result, the winner emphasized the fraternal atmosphere that characterizes the Bay Crossing.

Many of the participants coincide during the year at other competitions, such as the National Master Championship and the Great Challenge, which has allowed for the consolidation of a community of swimmers that combines sporting rivalry with friendship.

Among the participants, the presence of swimmers from Havana also stood out.

Sahilí Echemendía Agüero, 40, a member of the Marlin Swimming Club, achieved one of the top positions among the women and returned to Matanzas for the third time to face a competition she considers special.

The Havana athlete explained that she began her preparation for this type of course between March and April, with sea training sessions alongside members of her group and other triathlon practitioners.

The Bay Crossing is also part of her preparation for a new challenge: completing the 10 kilometers for the first time at the Great Challenge of Varadero, scheduled for September.

Agüero recognized the conditions of the Matanzas bay for open water swimming, considering it clean and favorable for the event.

She also highlighted the value of training in a group, a practice that allows Marlin Swimming Club members to prepare for different distances and competitions throughout the year.

Havana’s participation was lower than in previous editions. According to the swimmer, last year the club brought around 88 participants to Matanzas, while on this occasion the number dropped to just over 50 due, among other factors, to the cancellation of a competition scheduled for April.

With 56 editions, the Matanzas Bay Crossing maintains its place in the Cuban swimming calendar to honor each year the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and continues to attract athletes from different generations.

For Calatayú Santana, the challenge does not have to be assumed only from competition: it can also be a personal goal linked to health and well-being.

The next commitment for several of these swimmers will be the Great Challenge of Varadero, while the Master calendar will have another important stop in November, with the National Long-Course Pool Championship in Havana.

Written together with journalist George Carlos Roger Suárez