By Paris Tsirigotis

Greece returns to the global sailing spotlight this summer, as the AEGEAN 600 prepares to launch its fifth consecutive edition in the Aegean Sea.

Sixty yachts from 19 countries across three continents (Europe, Asia, and America) are ready to battle for the trophy.

The race will commence at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 6, from the historic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

It is of great value that boats that participated in previous events repeat their participation, giving a vote of confidence in the AEGEAN 600. Unique boats such as the Swiss Multihull ALEGRA, which in 2022 set the first course record in its category, are returning this year.

Among the new teams to this year’s race is also the furthest-travelled of all the entries: US-based Chris Hemans and his mixed team of Italian and US sailors on his Cookson 50 VARUNA. Hemans is a veteran Southern California offshore race competitor and organizer of numerous editions of the Transpac, the 2225-mile biennial race from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Hemans visited last year’s race as a spectator and was impressed with what he saw.

“I came to visit with my daughters and was very impressed with everything: the stunning setting, the high caliber of the venue and the events, the incredible hospitality, this is really a world-class place. We bought our Cookson 50 in Italy last year and wanted to make this our first long offshore race, so there’s been a lot of preparation. We have a great team assembled and very much look forward to it.”

In terms of Greek participation, eyes are turned on AIOLOS, last year’s winner in the Maxi category; the Optimum S – Samos Steamship, competing for the fifth consecutive year; and AETHER, which took first place in the Double Handed category (two-person crew) last year. ARETI, a regular participant, will once again join the lineup at the start in Sounio, along with other Greek boats such as Aiolia, Antelope, Armageddon, Iso Time, Notos, Pega Hellenic Naval Academy, and Phileas Fogg.

This annual race is co-organized by Olympic Marine. Rolex is once again supporting the event as the Official Timepiece.