Record-breaking New Year's Eve dive in Balai: 300 intrepid swimmers "for a year of peace"
The youngest is six years old, the oldest 91: shivers and smiles for the traditional auspicious swim in Porto TorresChills and smiles for the nearly three hundred intrepid swimmers who accepted the challenge of the "21st New Year's Dive," an unmissable ritual on the splendid Balai beach. For the community of Porto Torres, it was a true spectacle that this morning saw many participants, from the youngest of six to the veteran, former farmer Salvatore Delogu, who will turn 91 on January 25th . "I wish everyone a year of peace," he said before diving first into the sea of the Gulf of Asinara, along with the many brave souls who followed him. His companion, 88-year-old former butcher Piero Tanca, had to withdraw due to a mild flu.
At the starting line there were 277 people registered, wearing costumes, Santa Claus hats, the blue T-shirt with the message of a happy 2026 and the writing "Ciao Michele, fly as high as you can" , a tribute to the late nature photographer, Michele Santona.
The water temperature was 14 degrees Celsius and the outside 16 degrees Celsius. It was a welcome dip on a sunny day, with a large crowd watching the collective gesture, a symbol of health and good luck. A community celebration that has now become an opportunity for solidarity, with proceeds going to the Agesci Porto Torres scout group for the purchase of tents. A noble gesture on the part of the participants and the organizers, "I Temerari," led by Lello Cau and supported by numerous volunteers.
The participants came from all over Sardinia, some from the mainland, and among them was an Italian-American: Gennaro Catino, 33, comes from a small town near New York and is married to a woman from Porto Torres.
The difference was made by the period costumes, worn by Alessandro Casula and Claudia Carli of the "Vittoriano che passione" association. A tradition that is enriched every year with details, including the choreography curated by Max Dance Asd, moments of dancing and warm-up before the countdown. The countdown began just before noon, and then everyone took to the water in the splendid Balai sea, with canoes in the harbor providing the backdrop for the event, and the daredevil dives from Rocca Manna. This event has become a draw for many, a success that is repeated thanks to the support of Botteghe Turritane and the Municipality of Porto Torres.