European Aquatics Masters Open Water Swimming Tour 2026 Leg 1: bulletin now available and registration open on 18 February

European Aquatics has published the official bulletin for the opening leg of the 2026 Masters Open Water Swimming Tour, which will take place on 19 April 2026 in Protaras, with registration for the event opening on 18 February.

Organised by the Cyprus Swimming Federation in cooperation with the Paralimni–Deryneia Municipality, the inaugural stage of the new Tour will be held alongside the first leg of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup, offering masters athletes the opportunity to compete within the atmosphere of a major international open water event. The 3km race will unfold in the clear Mediterranean waters of Fig Tree Bay, providing a technically sound and visually striking setting for the historic first competition of the series.

The programme features separate 3km races for men and women, with competitors seeded in waves according to age group. Age categories range from 20–24 through to 90+, underlining the inclusive ethos of masters sport. On competition day, registration will open at 08:00 and close at 09:15, with the men’s race scheduled for 10:00 and the women’s race at 12:00. Depending on final entry numbers, races may be combined. Medal ceremonies will take place immediately after each event, with the top three men and women in every age category receiving awards.

Water temperature will be measured no more than 30 minutes before the start and must fall between 16°C and 31°C. Should the temperature drop below 18°C, wetsuits will be compulsory. A cut-off time of 30 minutes per kilometre may be applied, with full confirmation of procedures provided during the Technical Meeting, scheduled for 16:00–17:00 on 18 April. An official training session at the competition venue will precede this, running from 15:00–16:00 on the same day.

Registrations open on 18 February 2026 and close on 8 April 2026. Entries may be submitted directly by competitors via the designated event platform, and participation is open without restriction on citizenship, residence or club affiliation. The entry fee is €50 and becomes non-refundable once payment has been completed. Accreditation will be issued upon arrival following identity verification, and athletes must present a signed release of liability.

Participation in all three legs of the Masters Open Water Swimming Tour is mandatory for swimmers wishing to be included in the final overall ranking. The Protaras race marks the first of three stages in the 2026 series, ahead of the July event in Sukoró, Hungary and the concluding leg in Šamorín, Slovakia, which will form part of the European Aquatics Masters Championships.

For accommodation, three official hotels have been designated within walking distance of the venue: Vrissaki Beach Hotel, Protaras Plaza Hotel and Kapetanios Bay Hotel. Rooms are offered on a full-board basis and will be allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Reservations must be made through the Organising Committee, with the Preliminary Accommodation Form due by 25 February 2026 alongside a 50% deposit, and final payment required by 16 March 2026. Athletes booking official accommodation will benefit from complimentary transfers to and from Larnaca International Airport, located approximately 66 kilometres from Protaras.

The publication of the Leg 1 bulletin formally opens preparations for the first chapter of this new international circuit. By integrating masters competition within established European Aquatics events and hosting them in attractive coastal destinations, the Masters Open Water Swimming Tour aims to combine high-level racing with community spirit, travel and lifelong engagement in the sport.

Click here to register for the Protaras event. The bulletin is below.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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