With picture-prefect conditions of clear skies, azure seas and 12-15 knots of northeast wind, the 3rd edition of the AEGEAN 600 is off to a spectacular start. This offshore classic race is organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) and co-organized by the Region of Attica, Olympic Marine and supported by the Deputy Ministry of Sports. The fleet of 45 entries from 16 countries started in three successive waves starting with a short upwind leg to a windward mark placed just under the sea cliffs of Cape Sounio, with the ancient Temple of Poseidon as a fitting backdrop and perfect platform for shoreside spectators.
The team of Else Agency, one of the Regatta’s strongest communication sponsors, was also present at the starting point to witness the thrilling nautical event crossing the Aegean Sea.
After rounding the mark to starboard the fleet sped off on a high-speed headsail reach course to the southeast towards Milos, the first Aegean island on the 605-mile course. The leaders in this pack were Chris Sherlock’s Farr 100 LEOPARD 100 followed by Grzegorz Baranowski’s Volvo 70 I LOVE POLAND, who were at the left turn at the south of the island.
“People are starting to love the AEGEAN 600,” said Athanasios (Soulis) Papantoniou, the Technical Director for this year’s AEGEAN 600, who is one of the top race managers in the world, with experience from five Olympic Games and many other prominent sailing events around the world. “Similar races are held in many parts of the world but they don’t have the beauty of the AEGEAN 600. Some of the other 600-mile races are in a straight course. Here in Greece, they pass through all the islands of the South Aegean and have many different routes. The AEGEAN 600 is a different challenge for sailors and that’s why everyone now wants to take part despite the fact that they are reaching their limits due to the difficulties they have to face.”
“The images of this race will travel around the world through our media channels and Greece will be at the center of world sailing for another year” said Mr. Ioannis Maragoudakis, Commodore of the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club. “We are particularly happy for the progress of the event in terms of entries, but mainly for its quality upgrade with the participation of 11 MAXI boats. The AEGEAN 600 is now established in the global offshore sailing community.”
7 – 15 JULY 2023
*Photography: Nikos Aleuromitis / AEGEAN 600 / HOARC
