Recent NEw Swims
In 2026, several solo swimmers undertook unprecedented new solo swim routes. Details of their adventures follow below. All of these are repeatable courses, and we look forward to seeing the history of each one continue to grow.
N2M: Nantasket to Marblehead
Pioneered by Michael Klonstly in September 2026, this 13-mile swim runs from the northern end of Nantasket Beach in Hull to Devereux Beach in Marblehead.
| Swim Number | Name | Nationality | Date | Time | Notes | Observer | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Klonsky | USA | September 4, 2026 | 8:26:53 | First MOWSA-observed N2M, Observer's Notes |
Elaine Howley | E. Dowd |
Graves: M Street to Graves Lighthouse
In August 2026, MOWSA founder Greg O’Connor decided it was time to resurrect the Boston to Graves Light swim that had previously been completed by Jim Doty. More historical research is underway to document that history, but Greg’s swim is the first MOWSA-observed outing on this 9-mile course.
| Swim Number | Name | Nationality | Date | Time | Notes | Observer | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory O'Connor | USA | August 20, 2026 | 4:22 | First MOWSA-observed Graves Light Swim, Observer's Notes |
Rena Demeo | John Forgione |
H2SvLBI: Hull to Southie via Little Brewster Island
Long-time Hull resident and veteran Boston Light Swim participant Ted Hirsch became the first known swimmer to connect Hull to Boston via the Boston Lighthouse when he swam 12 miles from his beloved Nantakset Beach to M Street Beach via Little Brewster Island in July 2026.
| Swim Number | Name | Nationality | Date | Time | Notes | Observer | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ted Hirsch | USA | July 31, 2026 | 7:04:31 (Hull to LBI 2:36:58; 4:19 at turn; LBI to M Street 4:22:43 | First MOWSA-observed Hull to Southie via Little Brester Island, Observer's Notes |
Jess Gerber | Timmy Burke |
JTPB4: Jacques Tuset Prison Break Four Series
Jacques Tuset is a well-known French swimmer who’s made a name for himself by swimming from a variety of remote, island-based former prison sites to the mainland all around the world. In August 2026, he brought that special brand of swimming to Boston Harbor in completing four “prison break” swims from Boston Harbor islands that previously housed detention centers or penal colonies to mainland Massachusetts.
The individual swims included:
Deer Island to Point Shirley, Winthrop. Distance: kilometers. Time: 39 minutes, 59 seconds
Georges Island to Hull High School, Hull. Distance: 1.45 kilometers.Time: 24 minutes, 50 seconds
Peddocks Island to Nut Island Fishing Pier, Quincy. Distance: 850 meters. Time: 21 minutes, 38 seconds
Long Island to Orchard Beach, Squantum, Quincy. Distance: 2.8 kilometers. Time: 1 hour, 0 minutes, 20 seconds
Total swim time: 2 hours, 26 minutes, 47 seconds
Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Stan Grossfeld was on board to follow the swim and published a beautiful piece about it in the Boston Globe.
