The Aegean Rally

The Aegean Rally 19 – 29 July 2013

The Aegean Rally is a series of 3 or 4 yachts races that take place around some of the Aegean Islands in Greece.  This year sees the 50th anniversary of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regatta in Greece.

The Aegean Rally is organised by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club.  The distances covered range from 250 to 400 nautical miles.

The races usually start at the bow of the famous battleship Averof in Faliro Bay and the courses take in the beautiful islands of the Aegean and finish back in Faliro Bay.  Boats and competitors from around the world come to compete in the Aegean Rally and a festival atmosphere is evident over the 10-day duration with all the shore-side activities taking place.   With the infamous Greek hospitality who can fail to have a great time?

If you are lucky enough to be competing in the Aegean Rally this year, the sponsors will be giving away lots of gifts.  Unilever will be giving away a waterproof bag with samples of their products, including shampoo, shower gel and toothpaste.   Caps and t-shirts for all crew members will be distributed as well as Korres sunscreen samples for all the teams.  Sounds like a good stash!

The following islands will be visited by the Aegean Rally this year:

Syros

This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come together. Ermoúpoli is the island’s capital.  The glorious Greek past can be seen on public buildings, on the neoclassical houses and in the beautiful squares. The Orthodox community has some outstanding religious monuments such as the churches of Metamórphossi tou Sotíros, St Nicolas the Rich, Dormition of the Mother of God, etc.

The medieval quarter of the Roman Catholic community and the fortress-like St George’s cathedral are on St George hill, also named Áno Sýros. Up to the top of the hill and through the narrow streets, by the traditional whitewashed houses, the archways and the open spaces a breathtaking view of the island is revealed.

The great number of beautiful beaches will enthral visitors: Vári, Foínikas, Yalissás and Kíni, as well as Possidonia or Dellagrazia, the beach of a village with many neoclassical mansions with colourful orchards.

Patmos

Known worldwide as a sacred island for it is the place where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation, Patmos is an ideal destination for nature lovers thanks to its lace-like coastline, sheer cliffs and volcanic soil. Patmos was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

In the  Hóra area of the island, white houses stand next to proud two-storey mansions. The historical narrow streets lead from a monastery at the top down to Skála (the port), the capital of the island.

The beach in Kámpos with sea sports facilities and marvellous fish tavernas is the most cosmopolitan one, whereas Psili Ammos is accessible only by boat.

Koufonissi

Koufoníssia is a small group of two islands, Páno Koufoníssi and Káto Koufoníssi that are separated by a narrow strait. Páno Koufoníssi is inhabited, with a land area of 5.5 sq. km and a population of 366 residents. Their name comes from the numerous caves the waves have shaped along their shores, which, when seen by pirates, gave them the impression that the islands (in Greek “nissia”) were hollow (in Greek “koufio”) – therefore Koufionissia and later Koufoníssia.

Koufonìsia islands are the perfect destination for those seeking to enjoy the original laid-back Greek lifestyle: peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, sun-drenched beaches with azure waters and…plenty of tavérnas with fresh fish!

Images courtesy of www.breathtakingathens.com

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