Lavrion, Greece. The 6th edition of the Aegean 600 concluded last night with an awards ceremony that recognised podium finishers across numerous categories, though organisers and competitors alike agreed every team that started this year’s race deserved to be called a winner.
This year’s edition was widely described as epic. The Aegean Sea delivered its signature mix of conditions, from strong winds to near calms and everything in between. The fleet was the largest on record, and the smiles were universal.
The race began and ended at the Ancient Temple of Poseidon. The awards ceremony took place under the stars at the historic silver mine works of the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park, a setting that reinforced the deep historical and cultural ties that make this event stand apart from other major offshore races.
World-class marina facilities at Olympic Marine, strong logistical support, and Greek hospitality from the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC) and Olympic Marine have cemented the Aegean 600’s reputation as the offshore sailing world’s premier 600-mile race.
Vendée Globe veteran Pip Hare made her Aegean 600 debut this year, racing double-handed with Leslie Moeller aboard the Pegasus 50 BELLEROPHON (USA). She was full of praise for the event.
“This race is a classic, the course is so different, it’s interesting fun, many opportunities to change places which keeps the pressure and the intensity up all the way,” she said. “The meteorology is extraordinary, you need to look at the forecast but also keep your eyes outside the boat. Things change in seconds, you have to react. It’s back to the roots of sailing in a way, eyes out of the boat and use those ancient learned skills of sailors for years. And why wouldn’t you want to look out of the boat? There are so many beautiful things to see here.
“I’ll be back – often I hope!”
Brothers Patrick and Vincent Harris delivered one of the race’s standout stories, sailing their 1960-designed Maisa 36 MOWGLI OF PORTSMOUTH (ESP), the oldest boat in the fleet. They crossed the finish line at 12:07 yesterday morning as the penultimate team to finish, yet earned third place on corrected time in their division under ORC scoring.
“The AEGEAN 600 was a true Odyssey, a voyage as much as a race through one of the world’s most mythical archipelagos,” said Patrick. “Every island revealed a new horizon, every headland a different wind, current and sea state. The mystery of this remarkable landscape constantly unfolded around us, making every mile unforgettable.
“Sailing with my brother Vincent, and finishing 3rd in the ORC Double-Handed Division, was a dream come true. 600 hundred miles, 600 hundred islands, 600 hundred memories, and 600 hundred new friends. An unforgettable adventure that will continue to inspire both my sailing and my paintings for years to come.”
Full official results are available at the event website. Race tracking can be viewed on the YB system at https://pro.yb.tl/aegean6002026, and photos, videos, race analyses and daily news from throughout the event are available at https://aegean600.com/news and www.aegean600.com/media.
Originally published by Aegean 600.
