The first race of the 32nd Cyclades Regatta 2026 was successfully completed on Saturday, June 20, with the starting line set off the islet of Fleves. Forty-three vessels, powered by strong but favorable winds, completed an 80-nautical-mile course and began arriving at Parikia harbor from 7:00 PM onward, with the last finishers crossing the line a few hours past midnight.
Thanks to the invaluable cooperation of the Municipal Port Fund, the fishermen of Parikia — who demonstrated their hands-on support for the sailors — and Afros Yachts, all vessels docked safely, bringing the picturesque harbor to life.
The first-place finishers by category were as follows:
Performance category
- 1st: “COCOBILL II – SARAILIDIS N.”, skippered by Nikolaos Sarailidis of NIO Preveza.
SPORT 1 and SPORT OVERALL category
- 1st: “HARA TON ANGELON IV”, skippered by Theodoros Mprаouzis of POIATH.
SPORT 2 category
- 1st: “APNEA”, skippered by Ioannis Pilichos of NAOB.
SPORT 3 category
- 1st: “NEUSIS”, skippered by Spyros Garyfallou of NOEF.
NS category
- 1st: “PILEFS”, skippered by Giannis Pileidis of NOTK.
While sailing remains at the heart of the event, the on-shore experiences continue to set the Cyclades Regatta apart from the competition.
The first awards ceremony took place on Sunday evening at the port of Parikia.
Among those present to present prizes were Mayor Konstantinos Bizas as the evening’s host, Coast Guard Commander Andreas Lykoudis, and Deputy Port Authority Commander Athanasia Spanou. Also in attendance were beach volleyball champion and Olympic athlete Vaso Karantasiou and the President of the Paros Nautical Club, Ilias Kountromichalis.
Anastasios Deligiorgis, one of the event’s sponsors and Chairman of the Board of Delta Techniki S.A., honored the occasion with his presence, continuing a partnership that has become an integral part of the regatta’s history.
Crews enjoyed an unforgettable evening under the starlit Cycladic sky, with island music, dancing, traditional meze, and souma — a celebration truly worthy of Parian hospitality. The regatta fleet grew closer than ever off the racecourse, capturing the effortless and friendly spirit that has always been the hallmark of the Cyclades Regatta.
On Monday, June 22, at 1:30 PM, a Pasta Party Bar will be held at the facilities of the Paros Nautical Club.
A photography competition is also currently underway, aiming to showcase the magic of sailing and the authentic Cycladic landscape to a wider audience.
Media sponsors include ERT3, ERT South Aegean, ERT2 SPORT, and ERA SPORT, the magazine SKIPPER ON DECK, and NEXTSTEP Media Group.
Photos: © Nikolaos L. Zagas | ZAGAS Photography
