Aegean 600

Often referred to the “perfect 600-mile race” for its superb race course, excellent weather and sea conditions, and outstanding Greek hospitality, the Aegean 600 is based in the Mediterranean. In particular the Aegean sea, the sea of myths and legends. The sea of Homer, Seferis and Elytis. The sea of painters and philosophers. The sea of sailors. After only two years the Aegean 600 has already been labelled a ‘classic’ event.

A 600nm non stop offshore race made by sailors for sailors. A race where the wind god, Aeolus, will control sailors’ seamanship. A race where dolphins will accompany the boats to drive them faster to the finish. A race with enchanting sunrises and sunsets. A race filled with mythology.

The Aegean 600 course was designed by experienced offshore racers who know that 600 miles is the perfect length to test all the skills a team needs to demonstrate their abilities in offshore sailing: preparation, safety, seamanship, navigation, proper sail selection and trim, and the efficient pacing of crew work in what can be sustained and demanding weather conditions.

The Start will be given by Homer’s sanctuary, in front of the columns of Poseidon’s temple, and with the wishes of the mythical god of the sea the boats will sail for Milos, Santorini, Kassos, and leaving Karpathos on the left, the island of Athena and on to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights in Rhodes. The course will continue towards scenic Kos and Kalymnos, Pharmakonisi and Agathonisi, and will continue to Ikario Pelagos. The sailors will meet Patmos, the island of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, and will head to cosmopolitan Mykonos and Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. The last islands of the route will be Giaros and Kea.

Not only does this course challenge navigators for routing around and even through these islands, but the near-constant northerly Meltemi provides the 15-25 knot power needed to complete this course in three to five days of exciting sailing. In and around the islands the Meltemi can fade to drifting conditions or become very exciting, building up to 40 knots in some areas. Thus this racecourse tests all teams to persevere in a wide variety of offshore conditions.
Finally the contestants will face the Temple of Poseidon that will mark the end of the sailing adventure and the race.