This trip has ended.
Aegean Rally 2020
July 9 – 19, 202011 days
- Start
- Palaio Faliro, Greece
- Finish
- Pireas, Greece
- Level
- Experienced
- Languages
- Russian, English
About the event
Aegean Rally international regatta has a long history. Since 1964, it has been organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC). Each year, many Greek crews, as well as yachts from other countries, take part in the regatta. Typically, a regatta consists of 3 or 4 sea races that begin and end in the Gulf of Farion with stops on the Aegean Islands. The total length of the route is 350 - 500 nautical miles.
Different yachts take part in the regatta, from special racing yachts to simple marine yachts, therefore, competitions between them are held using the handicap system. Yachtsmen of different levels take part in the regatta, including beginners without experience.
The Aegean Rally regatta takes place in an ideal season with comfortable weather conditions in the Aegean Sea and prevailing winds of 20-30 knots.
The regatta is also attractive to yachtsmen thanks to the beauty of nature and the flavor of the islands that crews visit during the races.
Itinerary
- Thursday
19:00 Briefing for skippers 20:30 Opening ceremony Palaio Faliro is a suburb of Athens, which houses the famous Maritime Museum - the cruiser "Georgios Averof". The cruiser was named after the famous merchant and philanthropist who financed the first Olympic Games - Georgios Averof, who bought the ship for Greece.
- Friday
Distance - 150 nautical miles 18:00 The start of the 1st and 2nd offshore races along the route Faliro - Atsinganokastro at Foinikas Syros - Ikaria (Agios Kyrikas) The route is quite long and interesting and will allow you to demonstrate your yachtsman skills.
- Monday
Free time on the island of Ikaria The island owes its name to Icarus, who disobeyed his father, and rose on the wings up to the sun, and as a result, the wax holding the wings melted and Icarus fell into the sea near this island. The island is small and the population here is only 7 thousand people, but it has magnificent nature. On the island, there are many different caves, in which many household items of the ancient Greeks were discovered. The most interesting caves are Alama, Drakospilo, Katafigio, Lukaraos, Parafiri, Protari, Spileo. At the top of Mount Afer there is the Koskin fortress dating back to the Byzantine era. From the observation deck, there is a beautiful view of the island. And the best view of Ikaria opens from Mount Fitro. On the slope of the mountain, there is the picturesque village of Christos with cobbled streets and authentic taverns. The towns on the island that are interesting to visit are Agios Kirikos (the capital of the island), Armenistis, and Evdilos.
- Tuesday
21:00 The party and the award ceremony At an exciting party, the award ceremony for the first two races will be held.
- Wednesday
Distance - 104 nautical miles 10:00 The start of the 3d and 4th offshore races along the route Ikaria (Agios Kyrikas) - Koufonisi - Folegandros (Karavostasi) This stage of the regatta will finish on the island of Folegandros, which is located between Crete, Turkey and the Peloponnese. Now, there are only three large settlements on the island - the capital of the island - Hoa, the port city - Karavostasi and the village - Ano-Merya. In addition to the cleanest beaches and the sea, travelers are attracted by the snow-white church of the Virgin (Panagia). It is located on top of a cliff with a magnificent view.
- Friday
21:00 The party and the award ceremony
- Saturday
Distance - 79 nautical miles 10:00 The start of the 5th offshore race along the route Folegandros (Karavostasi) - The regatta will finish at Cape Sounion, on which the famous temple of Poseidon is situated. Many people dream about seeing the sunset here - it is simply amazing.
- Sunday
21:00 The award ceremony at Aegean Naval Command in Piraeus. Piraeus is located 12 km from Athens and is the largest port in Greece. Now, Piraeus is an active noisy city, an industrial and commercial center. Piraeus has many interesting archaeological sites. These are the ancient port gates, the ruins of the ancient city in the basement of the cathedral of Agia Triad, the ancient theater of Zea and others.
Location
The regatta starts in Faliron in the suburbs of Athens and finishes in Piraeus. The crews will go along the route Faliron - Atsinganokastro at Foinikas Syros - Ikaria (Agios Kyrikas) - Koufonisi - Folegandros (Karavostasi) - Sounio - Piraeus.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, of course. There will be an experienced skipper and team members on the yacht. They will give you a role and teach you everything you need to know to be a useful team member and feel comfortable.
Yes, all team members will definitely try themselves in different roles to better understand each other. Standing at the helm is an integral part of training for beginners as well as setting sails, and helping the team during moorings.
As a rule, participants in the regatta live on the yacht. The boat has everything you need for a comfortable stay: nice beds, a kitchen, a shower with toilet. If you do not want to live on a yacht, then you can arrange to stay at the hotel onshore.
The crew decides altogether what kind of food they prefer to eat and makes necessary purchases. Simple dishes can be cooked, usually taking turns. Some regattas offer daily meals and intensive evening program for all crews.
We can make an invitation for a visa, but you need to apply for a visa by yourself.
Most people tolerate some seasickness easily. If you feel that you are starting to feel sick, it is best to get at the steering wheel or tune the sails. Get yourself busy, show your body that you don’t have time to get sick, you have to fight for victory in the race. There are also many quite effective medicines from sickness. If you start taking them in advance, then the probability of seasickness is almost zero.
Before each trip, we organize an online meeting where participants get to know each other and the captain. The captain will answer all your questions. The crew will have a group chat so you can get to know each other before the start of the regatta. Then you will meet in the marina.
The main rule is to dress comfortably and according to the weather.
Clothing:
- windbreaker and pants or shorts;
- shirt/jacket with UV protection (thermal underwear and fleece);
- adjustable hat/cap;
- gloves.
We recommend to purchase a long-sleeved jacket with UV protection in order to protect yourself from the sun and strong wind.
Yachting shoes should be:
- light, with non-slip white outsole;
- with the fixed heel;
- with a tightly closed nose.
During the sailing without shoes, you can fall or injure your fingers and feet on the deck. There are many protruding parts on the boat that are easy to catch. Unfortunately, even experienced sailors are not protected from unpleasant injuries when they ignore this simple rule.