The CATAMARANS CUP International Regatta, a unique race of sailing catamarans, came to a successful close after one week of racing. This year, 24 catamarans signed up to compete welcoming more than200 sailors from a total of 18 countries.
The event’s popularity is reflected once again for the 9th consecutive year in the high participation rates and is a result of the widespread international participation &media coverage the CATAMARANS CUP has received for serving as an event that combines the opportunity for sailors of all competency levels to participate in the race as well as the chance for anyone who wishes to experience with family and friends a sailing race in the most comfortable and fun way, around some of the most beautiful destinations of Greece.
The 9th CATAMARANS CUP started from Alimos marina, consisted of 4 racing legs, starting from Athens and ending atEpidavros. Participants enjoyed 4 days of competitive sailing and 2 thematic crew competitions as well as several social events.
With the race’s starting point between Flevopoula and Vouliagmeni, competing boats completed the 1stLeg at KeaIsland, in moderate northerlies. The award ceremony was held the same eveningsucceeded by a thematic 80s Disco Party that brought everyone to the dance floor. On the2ndday of the race towards Kythnos, crews started with light winds blowing from the north, which later turned into increased moderate easterlies, offering sailors the chance to complete the race fast under favorable sailing conditions. Upon arrival at Kythnos, all participants enjoyed a BBQ night by the seaside and practiced their Greek dancing skills in the party that followed. The 3rd Leg of the race towardsPoros covered the distance of 48 nautical miles with a moderate northern breeze, enabling allcatamarans to cross the finishing line. Later that night,all crews gathered at Syggros building for the award ceremony as well as the annual Cook Off! Competition. On the 4thand last leg of the race towards Epidavros, there were very light winds that resultedto the fleet struggling to finish, however everyone took this opportunity to enjoy the sea. The Shoot Off! Competition was hosted in Epidavros and finally, the contestants celebrated each other’s efforts at the Final Awards Ceremony as well as enjoyed each other’s company in the memorable Farewell Party.
The last two days were free sailing days, offering the opportunity to participants to choose various stops to explore before returning back to Athens,and upon their return, crews agreed to meet again next year, in the anniversary10thCATAMARANS CUP which will take place in our country 19-26 October 2019.
Skipper SPIROS KOLONIADIS on board “SERENITY” Lagoon 52F was the big winner in the Overall ranking, followed by the catamaran “HAPPY FEET” Lagoon 50 with skipper ARGYRIS KALTSOUNIS coming in 2nd place, and 3rd place was awarded to the catamaran “IDEA” Lagoon 500 with skipper ALEXANDROS GOUVERIS.
OVERALL WINNERS
1st Place SERENITY (LAGOON 52F) Skipper SPIROS KOLONIADIS
2nd Place HAPPY FEET (LAGOON 50) Skipper ARGYRIS KALTSOUNIS
3rd Place IDEA (LAGOON 500) Skipper ALEXANDROS GOUVERIS
CLASS WINNERS
Class A 1st Place MERCY (LAGOON 400) Skipper ALEKSEI TIUSHEV
Class B 1st Place SERENITY (LAGOON 52F) Skipper SPIROS KOLONIADIS
COMPETITION WINNERS
Winner of the COOK OFF! Competition ALKYONE, Skipper DANIEL DURIGO
Winner of the SHOOT OFF! Competition SAO, Skipper DICK R. GEHENIAU
