Cape Sounion, Greece – In less than a week on Sunday, 4 July in front of the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, an international fleet of 43 monohull and multihull entries hailing from 16 countries will cross the start line in the AEGEAN 600. This 600 nautical mile non-stop race tour of the Aegean is being organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) and the Region of Attica and in its inaugural edition is already shaping up to be one of the world’s classic 600-mile ocean races. With an interesting course that has the fleet passing 15 islands, it is the famous Aegean itself that draws participants from around the world to enjoy the same superb sailing conditions and stunning scenery that has been inspiring mariners near and far for millennia.

Initial registrations for this race exceeded 70 entries, but due to the pandemic closings and travel restrictions many have opted to postpone their participation to the next edition. The Organizing Committee received, for example, messages from sailors from as far as the United States, New Zealand and Australia who asked for details of the next event in order to schedule their participation in a timely manner.

The route has been designed by a team of sailors from HORC who know the expectations of their fellow athletes in a race of this level. Thus, the competitors will enjoy a wide array of scenic passages and crossings, such as that through the Caldera of Santorini, but also some quite difficult routes through the straits of Kos and Mykonos – Delos where the prevailing Meltemi can be strong.

The race’s Principal Race Officer is one of the best in the world, Athanasios (Soulis) Papantoniou, with experience from four Olympic sailing events. “600-mile ocean races are taking place all over the world,” he said, “and it’s too bad that we as a country have let so much time pass before forming our own. Fortunately, HORC has helped with making a great promotion and international interest in the race, but this alone is not enough. This race must become an institution. In Greece we have ideal weather conditions and a beautiful track. The images that will accompany the competitors from the moment they leave Sounio will be unique,” said Papantoniou.

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/