Preparations for the 600 nm sailing race continue at an intensive pace. “AEGEAN 600” organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club co-organized by the Region of Attica. In the beautiful “Olympic Marine”, of Lavrio, are already most of the foreign boats that will take part in the demanding sailing race in the Aegean. In fact, some of them went out for training, and their crews were confronted for the first time with the peculiarities of the Aegean racetrack.

The coronavirus pandemic has been a stumbling block for many sailors, and 40 sailboats from 16 countries are expected to be found at the starting line in front of the Temple of Poseidon on July 4th. The start will be given, representing the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, by the Deputy Minister of Culture in charge of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis.

The Organizing Committee organised a safety seminar for the competitors yesterday. The seminar included instructions for first aid, safety, communication and rescue at sea. It was attended by the boat captains and safety officers, who expressed their satisfaction for the initiative of the organizers. After the seminar, Greek traditional food products as well as Greek natural cosmetics were distributed in order for the athletes to be protected from the Aegean sun. The race is designed by sailors for sailors, and the organizers have left nothing to chance. The competitors will get detailed weather forecasts focused on the difficult crossings of the Aegean in order to plan their tactics in time and enjoy the race.

Boats with more than 15 sailors will also take part in the event, as well as eight entries will sail the Aegean in the double handed category. There will be more difficulties in this category as it is a multi-day journey and the human possibilities reach their limits.

The Hellenic Offshore Racing Club, with the support of Helmepa, continues its action “To save our seas”. Thus the “AEGEAN 600” will be an event with the smallest possible ecological footprint. The skippers meeting will take place tonight, followed by the Opening Ceremony.

Five races of 600 nautical miles are held abroad and the “AEGEAN 600” aspires to become the 6th in the world. The establishment of such an event will put Greece in the competitive sailing destinations and will strengthen tourism and consequently the economy.

Sponsors of AEGEAN 600 are the Hellenic Tourism Organization, Olympic Marine and D. KORONAKIS SA. The event is supported by HELMEPA, SEABORNE Shipbrokers, Palirria, X-Yachting, NISSOS beer and NAUTILUS. The suppliers of the race are KosmoRide, Gregory’s and KORRES providing products to the competitors as well as services necessary for the organization of the event. Health Supporter is Athens Medical Group. Communication sponsors are ERT and ERA SPORT, the newspaper KATHIMERINI, the sports newspaper SPORtime, the magazines SEAHORSE, SAILING WORLD and BOATS & YACHTING Guide as well as the HELLENIC DAILY NEWS NY.

Information for journalists: https://aegean600.com/media-services/

Photos HR: www.flickr.com/photos/aegean600/