The sixth edition of the AEGEAN 600 got off to a spectacular start on Sunday, July 5, as 71 yachts set sail beneath the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, embarking on one of the Mediterranean’s most demanding offshore races. With strong northeasterly winds of 20–25 knots providing ideal racing conditions, the fleet delivered a breathtaking spectacle against one of Greece’s most recognisable landmarks.
The race start attracted spectators to Cape Sounio and reached sailing enthusiasts around the world through the event’s digital channels, showcasing Greece and the Aegean Sea through dramatic images of world-class offshore racing.
Before officially starting the race, Greece’s Minister of Sport, Yiannis Vroutsis, described the event as “a global sporting event” that extends well beyond the boundaries of sport.
“Greece continues to demonstrate that it can successfully host major international events. Today, however, we are not talking about a typical sporting competition. We are talking about a global sporting event with national significance,” he said.
Organised by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC), with the Region of Attica and Olympic Marine as co-organisers, the AEGEAN 600 once again welcomed more than 700 sailors from around the world for a non-stop 605-nautical-mile challenge across the Aegean Sea. Rolex returns for a third consecutive year as the Official Timepiece of the race.
George Prokopiou, owner of Olympic Marine and co-organiser of the event, highlighted both the unique conditions and the spirit of the race.
“Every day, Greece celebrates in the Aegean, the cradle of our history and prosperity. Aeolus has rewarded us with strong winds, and we will all be tested in this race of endurance and speed. This is my third AEGEAN 600, and I hope we achieve another strong result.”
Ioannis Maragoudakis, Chairman of the AEGEAN 600 Organising Committee and President of the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club, thanked the Minister of Sport for his continuous support and George Prokopiou for once again making Olympic Marine the home port for more than 700 participating sailors.
A 605-Nautical-Mile Journey Across the Aegean
The route begins at Cape Sounio before heading towards Milos, passing through the spectacular Santorini Caldera and continuing south towards Kasos. The fleet then sails past Karpathos, Rhodes, Kandelioussa, Kos, Kalymnos, Farmakonisi, Agathonisi and Patmos before crossing the Ikarian Sea, passing between Mykonos and Delos, rounding Gyaros and Kea and finally returning to Cape Sounio.
Designed “by sailors, for sailors,” the approximately 605-nautical-mile course passes 23 Aegean islands, making it one of the most challenging and rewarding offshore races in the Mediterranean. Beyond the competitive element, the race is renowned for its spirit of camaraderie, extraordinary scenery and authentic Greek hospitality, experienced both during the race and at Olympic Marine before and after the event.
The sixth edition of the AEGEAN 600 will conclude with the official prize-giving ceremony at the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park on Saturday, July 11.
Rolex Continues as Official Timepiece
For the third consecutive year, Rolex serves as the Official Timepiece of the AEGEAN 600, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to offshore sailing. The race joins a select group of prestigious 600-nautical-mile Rolex races, alongside the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The partnership reflects shared values of precision, endurance, teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that define both Rolex and offshore sailing.
With one of the largest international fleets among comparable offshore races, the AEGEAN 600 continues to strengthen Greece’s position on the global sailing calendar while showcasing the unrivalled beauty of the Aegean Sea to audiences worldwide.
