The 25th Aegean Regatta officially launched on Sunday morning with 75 yachts setting sail from Chios to Fourni.
The 75 yachts participating in the Aegean Regatta set sail for Fourni on Sunday morning. The international sailing race, now being held for the 25th time, crosses the Aegean Sea and showcases the beauty of the Archipelago, the seafaring tradition of the Greeks, and the unique heritage of the islands.
The curtain rose on the Aegean Regatta on Saturday evening in Limnia, Chios, with the Opening Ceremony. Manolis Koutoulakis, Secretary General for Maritime Affairs and Ports, and Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos, President of the Hellenic Sailing Federation Offshore Committee, welcomed crews from Greece and abroad, highlighted the importance of the Aegean Regatta for the Northeastern Aegean, and wished all participants fair winds and a successful race. Ioannis Kleidonas, Chairman of the Race Committee, provided the sailors with the final instructions, while local authorities also addressed the gathering. The ceremony continued with a performance of traditional dances by the Volissos Cultural Association and a concert by the musical group “Otra Rota,” creating a festive atmosphere that delighted participants and visitors alike.
On the occasion of the opening, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas stated: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome AEGEAN REGATTA 2026, an institution that brings together our maritime tradition and the modern dynamism of insular Greece, while highlighting the Aegean as a space of sport, cooperation and extroversion.This year’s route, which starts from Chios and continues to Fourni and Agathonisi before concluding in Samos, is a unique journey through island destinations with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Beyond being a sporting event that promotes cooperation and the noble values of sailing, the AEGEAN REGATTA is also an opportunity to showcase the beauty of our islands, our culture, and to support local communities. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy actively supports this year’s event through the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Insular Policy, in cooperation with the Offshore Committee of the Hellenic Sailing Federation. I warmly congratulate all the organizations supporting this effort, the volunteers, and the local authorities of the islands hosting the event. Above all, congratulations to all participants who honor the Aegean Sea with their presence. I wish the organizers every success, fair competition, favorable winds, and safe voyages for all crews.”
In Fourni, due to the mourning period following the passing of Mayor Dimitris Karydis, the parallel cultural events will not take place. The only scheduled event will be the presentation of the Fourni Underwater Archaeological Survey by Dr. Giorgos Koutsouflakis, Assistant Professor of Maritime Archaeology at the Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology of the University of Thessaly, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Municipal Council Hall of the Municipality of Fourni Korseon.
The Aegean Regatta, which follows the route Limnia (Volissos), Chios – Fourni – Agathonisi – Marathokampos, Samos, is organized by the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Insular Policy of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, in cooperation with the Offshore Committee of the Hellenic Sailing Federation, and with the sailing clubs A.S.I.A.TH. Rhodes, Sailing Club of Mytilene, L.O.I.A.TH. Mytilene, Sailing Club of Samos, and Sailing Club of Chios. The coordinating club for the 2026 edition is PEKEV Chios.
