Gilles Rondy’s challenge between Calvi and Nice stopped after 24 hours of swimming. The former Olympic swimmer covered approximately 74 kilometers before a special weather bulletin forced the crossing to be halted.
Gilles Rondy will ultimately not reach Nice by swimming from Calvi. Having departed on Sunday, August 23 at 10:06 AM from Corsica, the former European champion and 45-year-old Olympic swimmer had to end his challenge on Monday, August 24 at 10:06 AM, exactly 24 hours after his departure.
The decision was made following the issuance of a Special Weather Bulletin (BMS) requiring the immediate return of ships to port. Severe storms were forecast in the Mediterranean. Under these conditions, the team chose to interrupt the crossing for safety reasons.
“Due to the issuance of a Special Weather Bulletin (BMS) requiring the immediate return of all ships to port, we made the decision to stop the race this morning.”
After 24 hours of uninterrupted swimming, Gilles Rondy had covered 40 nautical miles, or approximately 74 kilometers. Progress was made in particularly rough seas, with unfavorable choppy conditions that made the effort more demanding.
The swimmer accepted this decision despite the disappointment of the entire team. Gilles Rondy is now back on board. The crew headed towards Nice via the fastest route.
A sports challenge prepared for weather conditions
The initial project was intended to connect Calvi to Nice by swimming, without a wetsuit and without assistance, over a distance of approximately 180 kilometers. An arrival on the Opera beach was planned for Tuesday, August 25 in the late afternoon if weather conditions permitted.
In anticipation of changing weather, Gilles Rondy had also prepared a second option. Plan B consisted of hugging the eastern coast of Corsica, between Maccinaghju, in Cap-Corse, and Piantarellu, east of Bonifacio. This route also represented approximately 180 kilometers. A crossing completed in 60 hours would have constituted a world record according to the stated objective.
The project also responded to an environmental initiative. Gilles Rondy wanted to use this adventure to draw attention to the Mediterranean. “I want to show its beauty. The more we love something, the more we try to protect it, that’s the purpose of my initiative.”
The crossing had to comply with open water swimming rules. No contact with a boat or person was permitted. Resupplies had to be carried out directly in the water, with a bottle passed hand to hand without contact or using a pole.
Three pairs took turns accompanying the swimmer. Kayaks accompanied the progression, including one dedicated to safety. Weather was already one of the main difficulties identified before departure.
Gilles Rondy had experience with long distances. On May 8 and 9, 2026, the swimmer completed an 80-kilometer crossing between La Trinité and Fort-de-France, in Martinique. The journey lasted 22 hours and 7 minutes, in a simple swimsuit and without assistance to rest.
Present at the 2008 Olympic Games, the former European champion also wanted to share this new adventure with the public. An onboard camera was intended to follow the progress. Live coverage could also be provided during the crossing.
The challenge between Calvi and Nice will therefore not reach its conclusion. However, this crossing did allow the swimmer and his team to observe several marine species, including dolphins, turtles, manta rays, a fin whale, jellyfish and squid. Bioluminescent plankton was also observed.
For the team, these encounters reinforce the message carried by the project around the preservation of Mediterranean ecosystems.
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