PEGA – Hellenic Naval Academy and TRINITY emerged victorious at the ONEX CUP, the second inshore race of the 63rd International Aegean Rally, held on Monday afternoon in Syros. Competitors covered a total distance of 22 nautical miles in northerly winds reaching up to 12 knots. As the fleet approached the finish line near Velostasi, the wind eased considerably, causing the leading yachts to lose momentum before crossing the line. The first yachts reached the finish in Finikas Bay shortly before 3 p.m., while the remainder of the fleet followed over the course of the next hour.
In the Performance category, PEGA – Hellenic Naval Academy secured first place, followed by ARETI in second and METATRON II in third. In the Sport category, TRINITY claimed victory, with GARBIS finishing second and WATER GIPSY third. The official results of the ONEX CUP second inshore race are available online for both the Performance and Sport categories.
Tight Competition at the Top of the Leaderboard
Following its victory in the second race of the 63rd Aegean Rally, PEGA – Hellenic Naval Academy climbed to the top of the overall Performance standings, holding a lead of just half a point over METATRON II. The Sport division is equally competitive, with TRINITY leading WATER GIPSY by the same narrow margin.
With the Rally now at its halfway point, it is becoming increasingly clear that every second will count during the remaining offshore races from Finikas to Leros and back, where the overall winners of the 63rd Aegean Rally will ultimately be decided. The overall standings after two races are available online for both Performance and Sport classes.
Prize-Giving Ceremony Overlooking the Aegean
On Monday evening, the winners of the first and second races of the 63rd Aegean Rally were honoured during a prize-giving ceremony held at Ciel Syros, on the waterfront of Ermoupolis.The gathering offered competitors an opportunity to relax after two demanding races, enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and prepare for the next stage of the competition.
During the ceremony, Giannis Vamvakousis, Director of ONEX Shipyard Syros, representing ONEX Shipyards & Technologies, Grand Sponsor of the 63rd Aegean Rally, presented an honorary plaque to Ioannis Maragkoudakis, President of the Panhellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH), recognising the long-standing partnership between the two organisations.POIATH, in turn, presented an honorary plaque to Commander Athanasios Christodoulou, Captain of the Hellenic Navy support vessel HS Ajax, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the safe conduct of this year’s race.Representatives of local authorities and organisations also attended the ceremony, reaffirming their continued support for one of Greece’s most important offshore sailing institutions.
Programme of the 63rd Aegean Rally
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.
