With the iconic temple of the god of the sea as a backdrop, the 60 boats participating in the 5th international AEGEAN 600 race, organized by the Panhellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH), co-organized by the Region of Attica and Olympic Marine, and with the participation of ROLEX, as the official watch of the event, set off on a 605 nautical mile journey across the vast blue of the Aegean Sea. For yet another year, the images offered by the fleet to the lucky spectators were unique.
The area at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion was transformed into a…stand with numerous sailing fans watching the boats for more than two hours and offering a spectacle that we only see at major international sailing events. The start was enjoyed by both those who had the opportunity to experience it from passing boats, but also those who tuned in on the race’s social media!
The sailing of the 60 boats
The racing boats started their course on Sunday at noon from the Temple of Poseidon with a northeasterly wind of 12 to 16 knots. They set sail for Milos, will pass through the Santorini Caldera and will continue sailing further south towards Kasos. They will leave Karpathos on the left and will sail past Rhodes, Kandelioussa, Kos, Kalymnos, Farmakonisi, Agathonisi and Patmos. They will cross the Ikarian Sea, sail between Mykonos and Delos and, after passing Gyaros and Kea, will finish at Sounio. The total distance is approximately 605 nm. and the route is designed “by sailors for sailors” with the aim of promoting and advertising the Greek sailing sport.
“The AEGEAN 600 has now become an institution in the global sailing community and this is clearly demonstrated by the number of participants. In a very special year, due to the Fastnet organization which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, 60 competitive boats came to Greece. If it were not for this great sailing event, we would have had 90 participants,” says the experienced Soulis Papantoniou, Technical Director of this year’s AEGEAN 600. “…With a first estimate, the fast boats of the fleet are expected to finish after 70 hours,” predicted Mr. Papantoniou, referring to the mild weather conditions compared to previous events. The curtain on the fifth AEGEAN 600 will fall with the closing ceremony at the Lavrio Technology Park on Saturday, July 12 (9:00 p.m.)
The AEGEAN 600 is organized by the Panhellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH) with co-organizers the Region of Attica and Olympic Marine and with the contribution of the Deputy Ministry of Sports and the General Secretariat of Sports.
ROLEX will be the official watch of the event for the second consecutive year.
Sponsors of the race are the Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) and D. KORONAKIS S.A., a world leader in the manufacture of ropes and wire ropes for shipping. Supporters are IMA, the world federation of MAXI boats, the construction company KERAMEIKOS – ATHENS, PANTAENIUS, a multinational boat insurance company, TECHNOHULL, a manufacturer of inflatable & polyester boats and X-YACHTING , a boat rental company. The official transportation partner will be MERCEDES BENZ. The cooperating group of the event is the Aegean Nautical Group based in Olympic Marine. The official suppliers will be NISSOS beer manufactured in Tinos and Dole bananas.
Communication sponsors
The race is supported by NOVA, which is also the official television broadcaster of the event, as well as the newspaper KATHIMERINI, the magazines SKIPPER ONDECK, The YachtBook and YACHTING WORLD. Also, the social support organization HUMANITY GREECE with its volunteers will support the event.
