The Inaugural Cyclades Cup: A Fantastic Celebration of Sailing in Antiparos
The enchanting Cycladic island of Antiparos played host to the inaugural Cyclades Cup from June 14-16 2024. This highly anticipated event, organized in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece, marked an exciting addition to the sailing calendar, officially sanctioned by the Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA). As a gold sponsor, IYC was proud to support this prestigious regatta, alongside platinum sponsor UBS and fellow gold sponsor Perini Navi. The event also benefitted from the media partnership of BOAT International.
Below, we share a recap of the race and the social calendar of events that made this event such a success.
The Social Calendar
Festivities kicked off on June 13th with the Perini Navi Sunset Cocktail Party, setting the tone for the days to follow. Guests enjoyed an exquisite evening against the backdrop of Antiparos' stunning sunset, mingling and celebrating the commencement of the regatta.
Race day one on June 14th saw yachts fiercely competing in three distinct classes: the Meltemi Class, featuring three 108' (33m) sailing yachts; the Skyphian Class, comprising three yachts ranging from 82' (25m) to 90' (30m); and the Apollo Class, which included six yachts between 121' (37m) and 184' (56m), among them IYC's own ALMYRA II. As the sun set, participants and spectators gathered at the Antiparos Port for the race results.
The evening continued with the exclusive BOAT International Owners Club Event held at The Rooster Farm in Livadia Bay. This dinner party provided an intimate setting for yacht owners and guests to unwind, share stories, and enjoy the atmosphere. IYC was a proud sponsor.
Day two concluded with a grand Awards Ceremony at the Antiparos High School, where winners were celebrated. Attendees then moved on to Bardot, a venue in Antiparos Square, for the closing party. The event was a fitting end to the thrilling races.
Racing with the Corinthian Spirit
The Cyclades Cup embraced the SuperYacht Racing Association’s Corinthian Spirit initiative, which offers an alternative to conventional ORCsy racing. This non-spinnaker Corinthian Spirit Class racing emphasizes fun and competitive spirit while reducing the need for extensive race optimization and additional crew. This approach not only streamlines the handicapping process but also minimizes the impact on yacht Captains' resources and reduces overall regatta expenses.
Antiparos: A Jewel of the Cyclades
Antiparos, with its narrow cobbled alleys, white-washed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvilleas, and shadowy eucalyptus trees, provided a picturesque and serene setting for the Cyclades Cup. Located just one nautical mile from Paros, this small island is a hidden gem in the southern Aegean Sea, perfect for a relaxing holiday or a family vacation.
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A Great Success
The inaugural Cyclades Cup was a resounding success, blending competitive sailing with elegant events and showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Antiparos. We look forward to the years to come.
Photos courtesy of Studio Illume, copyright to Zoe Cox and Quin Bisset.