Semana Nautica brings a summer of competition to the Santa Barbara waterfront

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - One of the oldest traditions of competition on the Central Coast is underway with the 2024 Semana Nautica.

It takes place annually around the 4th of July week.

Semana Nautica has a tradition dating back to 1933 when local residents challenged the crews from five U.S. Navy battleships during Fleet Week.   

It was changed over the years to Semana Nautica to honor the town's Spanish heritage.

The sports festival has evolved over the years to have an array of events. 

All ages and abilities are participating.  

The contests include swimming, volleyball, beach runs, water polo, fishing, sailing, lawn bowling, basketball, softball, tennis, tug-of-war, and many others.

Admission to all events for the public is free, but participants do have a required fee.

A member of the Board of Directors Bret Dougherty says whether you are a spectator or participant, "they love to see the high performance people,  but they can compete with those people.   It doesn't matter, all groups of people and all capabilities can come on out."

They can also be part of a legendary sporting event that generations have taken part in as part of Santa Barbara's history on or near the waterfront.

"Come back out celebrate your pride and this is Santa Barbara and this is what Santa Barbara is all about.  This is  East Beach, beach sports, sports festivals, working out  and celebrating it. "

For more information go to: Semana Nautica