Setting sail from the legendary battleship Georgios Averof in Faliro, with Finikas, Syros as its first destination, Leros as its second port of call, before returning to finish once again at the picturesque fishing village of Finikas, the 63rd Aegean Rally retraces one of the most memorable routes in its history.
Seventeen years after its last visit to Syros and Leros in 2009, competitors in Greece’s most prestigious and historic offshore sailing race are preparing to once again navigate the identical 300-nautical-mile course across the Aegean Sea.
Organised by the Panhellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH) in cooperation with the Hellenic Navy, the race sets sail on Saturday, 18 July, remaining true to the timeless values that have defined it for more than six decades: a passion for the sea, seamanship, sport and the unique identity of the Greek islands.
For the 63rd consecutive year, the Aegean Rally returns to the waters where its story began. Since its inaugural edition in 1964, the event has become a cornerstone of Greek offshore sailing and is today recognised as the second-oldest offshore sailing race in the Mediterranean.
For more than sixty years, the Aegean Rally has done far more than crown champions. It has shaped generations of sailors. Countless competitors gained their first major offshore racing experience in the demanding conditions of the Aegean, developing the skills, resilience and confidence that later enabled them to excel in national and international competitions. It is for this reason that the Aegean Rally is widely regarded as the “great school” of Greek offshore sailing.
Throughout this remarkable journey, the Hellenic Navy has remained the event’s steadfast partner. For more than six decades, it has continuously supported the race, discreetly monitoring competitors throughout the course and providing invaluable assistance whenever required. This enduring relationship reflects the deep historical ties between Greece’s maritime tradition and the sport of sailing.
Programme of the 63rd Aegean Rally
Friday, July 17: Skippers’ meeting (7:00 p.m.) – crew reception (8:00 p.m.) at the POIATH building
Saturday, July 18: 1st race: (100 nautical miles, start at 11:00 a.m.) Faliro–Foinikas, Syros
Sunday, July 19: Sailing festival in Foinikas, Syros (12:00 p.m.). Organized by ONEX Shipyards in collaboration with the Syros Nautical Club and the Municipality of Syros–Ermoupoli
Monday, July 20: 2nd local regatta (15 nautical miles, start at 11:00 a.m.) ONEX CUP, awards ceremony for the 1st & 2nd regattas (8:30 p.m. at Ciel Syros)
Tuesday, July 21: Visit and special tour of the Shipyard, guided tour of Syros’s sights
Wednesday, July 22: 3rd race (92 nautical miles, start at 11:00 a.m.) Syros Phoenix – Leros
Thursday, July 23: Beach party – SUP Cup
Friday, July 24: Free day, awards ceremony for the 3rd race
Saturday, July 25: 4th race (92 nautical miles, start at 11:00 a.m.), final finish
Sunday, July 26: Free sailing – Return
Monday, July 27: Awards ceremony (9:00 p.m.) – Aegean Naval Command
Sponsors and Supporters
The ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group returns as Grand Sponsor of the 63rd Aegean Rally. ONEX is a leading force in shipbuilding, defence, technology and strategic investments, promoting innovation, excellence and sustainable development throughout Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. Official race sponsor is Koronakis, a global leader in the manufacture of ropes and wire ropes for the maritime industry. Supporting partners include Technava, specialising in services for international commercial shipping, and Jotun, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine coatings. Media Partners are SKAI TV, the event’s official broadcaster, Kathimerini newspaper, and the magazines Istioploikos Kosmos, The Yachtbook, Athens Riviera Journal, and Boats & Yachting. Technology support for live yacht tracking is provided by G4S Telematix, while INTERAD is responsible for the event’s online services.
