As the pristine waters of the Aegean prepare to welcome sailors from around the world, Skipper ONDECK sits down with Ilia Riga, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Cyclades Cup Antiparos.
With a vision to elevate the regatta to new heights, Ilia Riga shares her insights on what makes this race a unique celebration of sailing, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of the Cyclades.
With the Cyclades Cup Antiparos fast becoming a highlight of the Aegean sailing calendar, all eyes are on the island’s shores—and on the woman steering the event behind the scenes. Ilia Riga, head of the Organizing Committee, speaks to Skipper ONDECK about the growing momentum of the regatta, the challenges of coordinating a major sailing event on a small island, and her vision for turning Antiparos into a premier destination for super yacht sailing.
1. What inspired you to start organizing the Cyclades Cup?
The idea for the Cyclades Cup came from a desire to create something that combined the things I care about most – sailing, community, and the unique beauty of the Cyclades. I wanted to build an event that went beyond just competition and really celebrated what it means to be part of a crew, part of a place, and part of a shared experience. We felt there was space for something more intimate, more personal, and rooted in the spirit of the islands – something that could bring people together in a meaningful way, on and off the water.
2. What makes Antiparos a unique location for hosting a sailing event like the Cyclades Cup?
Antiparos has this rare charm – it’s small, yes, but with a huge heart. The island feels like a well-kept secret, and that gives the event a sense of intimacy and authenticity. You’ve got crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, steady winds providing both challenging and enjoyable sailing conditions. In addition it also has a local community that’s warm, welcoming, and proud to share their island. That combination is hard to find, and it makes the Cup feel very special, giving the event a sense of closeness and character that’s hard to replicate. The combination of natural beauty and heartfelt hospitality makes the Cup feel like it truly belongs here.
3. Can you walk us through the main logistical challenges of organizing a multi-day sailing event on a small island?
It’s a small but passionate team that brings the event together, and I’m constantly amazed at what we manage to pull off. Making it happen requires a careful balance of timing, planning, and adapting to conditions. With boats, crews, and partners arriving from all over, every detail – from mooring and transport to event setup – must be coordinated precisely. We work closely with local authorities to keep things running smoothly, even when the weather surprises us. Our aim is always to make it feel effortless – like the event naturally belongs on the island – even though it’s a complex operation behind the scenes. It’s a lot of work, but deeply rewarding.
4. How do you engage the local community of Antiparos in the event, both during and in preparation for the Cup?
The support of the local community is absolutely vital. We work hand-in-hand with residents, businesses, and the municipality to ensure the event brings lasting value to the island – both economically and socially. Involving the community is a top priority: we collaborate with local schools and sailing clubs, and aim to raise awareness around both environmental and cultural heritage. Last year, for instance, we welcomed former Olympic sailing champions to speak with students – an experience that was as inspiring as it was memorable. Above all, we want the Cyclades Cup to feel like it belongs to Antiparos – not just something that arrives for a weekend and disappears. It has sparked a real sense of pride and energy across the island, and that’s something we’re committed to nurturing every year.
5. Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of the Cyclades Cup and its role in promoting sailing in Greece?
Our goal is to grow the Cyclades Cup organically – not just in size, but in meaning and impact. We’re committed to keeping it grounded and not over-commercialised, which means choosing partners who truly understand our ethos. Infrastructure on the island is limited, and we also believe in keeping the regatta intentionally small – we’ve capped participation at 20 boats. It’s not about scale, it’s about curation. We want the Cup to be a beacon of what sailing in Greece can be: world-class racing with soul, rooted in people, place, and purpose.
The vision is for the Cup to become a must-attend regatta on the international calendar – the kind of event people return to year after year. We’re already seeing that take shape: nearly half the fleet this year are returning participants, including TAWERA from New Zealand. We also hope to welcome more young sailors, expand our sustainability efforts, and continue building meaningful connections between local and international communities. Most importantly, we want to protect the unique atmosphere that defines the Cup.
6. What are some standout moments or memorable stories from the past edition of the Cyclades Cup?
There have been so many moments, it’s hard to choose. One that really stands out was the atmosphere at the closing ceremony last year – long tables set up in the schoolyard, teams from across the world sharing food, stories, and music. On the water, we had a nail-biting final race finish with two boats crossing the line just seconds apart – but what stays with me more than the competition is the camaraderie, the respect, and the shared experience between crews. That’s what makes the Cyclades Cup unforgettable – it’s not just a regatta, it’s something more human.
7. Have you seen an increase in international participation, and how do you promote the event abroad?
Absolutely. The Cyclades Cup is still young – this year marks only our second edition – but what we’ve consistently heard from those who joined us last year is that they fell in love with the atmosphere and ethos of the event. That sense of connection is what brings them back, and inspires them to invite others.
We’re fortunate to have the support of exceptional partners – the Yacht Club of Greece, who oversee the racing; our generous sponsors, including UBS, IYC, Perini Navi, NetJets, Navarino, Oceanco, Pantaenius, Southern Spars, and Perga, along with a host of valued supporters; and our media partner, BOAT International. Our regatta is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Antiparos, with race support from SYRA and ORC, whose backing has helped elevate the event’s international profile. Ultimately though, word of mouth remains our most powerful tool. Instagram is our primary storytelling platform, while the website serves as the main port of call for regatta information.
As we look ahead to year three, we’ll continue to grow awareness within the global sailing community – always with the intention of keeping the event grounded in authenticity. For us, it’s never been about mass promotion; it’s about resonance.
Photo Credits Studio Illume
