Escape to Lewes swim event canceled

Race Director Steve Del Monte says 600 people are registered for the swim, with the majority choosing the 3-mile course over the 1-mile option.

“It's really hitting the swimming market,” said Del Monte, founder and CEO of Wildwood, N.J., based Delmo Sports. “Getting 600 people in the first year is unheard of. That officially puts Lewes on the map as a destination for open-water swimmers, which is exactly what we wanted to do.”

The event will begin with the 3-mile swim at 11:15 a.m., followed by 1-mile swimmers taking to the water at 11:45 a.m. What makes Escape to Lewes different from other open-water swims is it begins with a 12-foot leap off the Cape May-Lewes Ferry vessel.

“The most exciting part is when people step on the boat and realize, 'I have to jump off this,''” Del Monte said. “The energy on the boat is something special.”

He would know because this isn't the first time Del Monte has produced an event with the Delaware River and Bay Authority and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. For the last four years, he's worked with both organizations to produce the Escape the Cape Triathlon in Cape May, N.J. That event also starts with the athletes jumping off the ferry.

“The leap is truly exhilarating,” he said. “I did it at Escape from Alcatraz, and that's only about 5 feet. This is 12. It's a big deal.”

The entire race takes place in Breakwater Harbor, so spectators should have no problem watching the event from the shore. Del Monte encourages onlookers to bring a pair of binoculars to get a great view of athletes jumping from the ferry.

“Watching people jump off the boat is unbelievable – it's kind of hysterical and amazing,” he said. “It's really, really special and something you don't get to see every day.”

The 3-mile course has been designated as a World Open-Water Swimming Association World Championship event. The goal, Del Monte said, is also be the host of the U.S. Open-Water Championships in the near future.

Del Monte said unlike running events, very few open-water swims in the country draw big crowds. He said he thinks by putting his spin on it, it has the potential to be one of the biggest open-water swimming events in the country.

For more information about Escape to Lewes, go to www.delmosports.com.  

Parking

There will be no event parking at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal in Lewes the day of the race. Everyone attending the event must park at Cape Henlopen High School, 1200 Kings Hwy., where a shuttle will be available to transport people to the ferry terminal. Shuttle service will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.