Aegean 600
Aegean 600 takes place Early Jul 2027 (the 2026 edition started Jul 5 from Cape Sounion) in Athens (Lavrio), Greece. The dress code is Light summer clothing and serious sun protection ashore - the Sounion headland has no shade. Crews need full technical kit for the windy offshore legs. Typical cost ranges from 200 to 1500 EUR per person.
A 605-nautical-mile offshore race launched in 2020 by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club, starting beneath the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and looping through the Cyclades and Dodecanese past Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. The Meltemi makes it fast and physically punishing rather than a scenic cruise. It has established itself quickly among the Mediterranean's 600-mile offshore classics.
- When
- Early Jul 2027 (the 2026 edition started Jul 5 from Cape Sounion)
- Where
- Athens (Lavrio), Greece
- Dress code
- Light summer clothing and serious sun protection ashore - the Sounion headland has no shade. Crews need full technical kit for the windy offshore legs.
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 200 to 1500 EUR per person.
- Weather
- 28 - 34C, hot and dry, with the strong gusty Meltemi northerly that defines the race
- When to book
- Book Sounion and Lavrio accommodation 3 months out; entries through the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club open in the spring and charter berths go from March
- Getting there
- ATH (Athens), 55 min to Olympic Marine at Lavrio and about 1 hr to Cape Sounion
- Where to stay
- Grecotel Cape Sounio (grand, on the headland below the temple), Grand Resort Lagonissi (large resort halfway back towards Athens), Aegeon Beach Hotel, Sounio (simple, right on the beach by the start)
- Official site
- https://www.aegean600.com
How to attend
The start below Cape Sounion is free to watch from the beaches near Lavrio, or from inside the archaeological site for the standard entry fee. To compete you need an offshore-equipped, rated yacht and a qualified crew entered through the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club; entered boats get complimentary berthing at Olympic Marine before and after the race. Charter berths and crew spots are advertised through HORC and Greek charter operators from spring, and this is one of the more approachable 600-milers for a well-prepared amateur crew.
The start below Cape Sounion is free to watch from the beaches near Lavrio; the organisers register racing yachts only and sell no spectator ticket.
Insider tip
Watch the start from the Temple of Poseidon terrace in the early afternoon - the fleet passes directly below the columns and the site is far emptier before the sunset coach crowds arrive.
Get inside Aegean 600
Booking matters here: book Sounion and Lavrio accommodation 3 months out; entries through the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club open in the spring and charter berths go from March. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.