The Aegean Regatta starts its journey for 22nd year with the participation of 49 boats, sailing from Molyvos, Mytilene, on Monday morning , heading to Psara, in a distance of 65 nautical miles.
On Sunday evening, the Opening Ceremony of the “Aegean Regatta” took place in Molyvos with the presence of the 500 sailors participating in the regatta
The Aegean Regatta 2023 International Sailing Race was opened by the Secretary General of the Aegean and Islands Policy Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis.
The President of the Offshore Committee of the Hellenic Sailing Federation, Ms. Erifuli Vardakis and the Mayor of Western Lesvos, Taxiarchis Verros were also addressed to the sailors.
Mr. Koutoulakis said about the race: “The Aegean Regatta opens its sails again this year, for a 22nd time and the version of each year is better than the previous one. When it started, back in 2001, it was one of the first regattas of that kind in the Aegean Sea. We are very happy because each year participation of sailors grows and this year we have also many sailors from abroad. All these people who participate in the regatta every year are also the ambassadors of the Aegean Sea islands. In addition to the competitive part, the crews will visit and live the experience of the islands that host them. It will be a great week and in cooperation with the local authorities we have prepared the infrastructure as well as a very rich cultural program”.
Before the Opening Ceremony, the skippers’ meeting was held and the Race Committee Manager Mr. Yannis Kleidonas, in the presence of Mr. Koutoulakis and Ms. Vardakis, gave all the necessary information to the crews of the sailing boats.
The Aegean Regatta 2023 which is organized by the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy, in co-operation with the Hellenic Sailing Federation / Offshore Committee started from Molivos and the sailors will travel to the islands of Psara, Chios, Oinousses and back to Chios for the closing ceremony, on the 26th of August.
Text Credits: Dimos bouloukos
Photo Credits: ICARUS Sports
