As the Cyclades Cup prepares for its return from 10–13 June 2026 on the island of Antiparos, Greece, excitement is already building with the announcement of a strong list of returning competitors. Several yachts from last year’s fleet have already confirmed their participation, underscoring the event’s growing appeal and reputation.
Confirmed returners from the 2025 edition include Aiolos, Almyra II, Fivea, Meliti, Nommo and Nostromo.
Four Wally yachts - Galma, the latest Wallywind 110, alongside Barong D, Vantanera and Wally B - are expected on the 2026 start line, marking one of the strongest showings of the brand at the regatta to date. The fleet is also set to include notable Vitters-built yachts, among them Inoui and La Belle, reflecting growing participation from some of Northern Europe’s most established sailing programmes.
Among the international returnees is Tawera, travelling from New Zealand for a third consecutive edition — underlining the regatta’s growing global draw. The 2026 fleet is expected to combine modern high-performance sloops, bluewater cruising yachts and classic designs such as Windrose of Amsterdam and Alexa of London, creating a varied and characterful start line.
With 21 yachts already confirmed and the fleet capped at 25 entries, organisers expect the remaining places to fill shortly. The latest additions to the 2026 start line further broaden the fleet’s mix of performance yachts, classic designs and internationally recognised names from across the sailing world.
New boats attending the Cyclades Cup
Aizu
Length: 30.48m
Builder: Tréhard
Year: 1989
Originally launched by French yard Tréhard, Aizu later underwent an extensive rebuild featuring interiors by acclaimed Swedish studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. Combining classic pedigree with a contemporary Scandinavian redesign, she makes her Cyclades Cup debut in 2026 as part of the fleet’s growing Northern European contingent.
Alexa of London
Length: 37.5m
Builder: Gdansk Yb
Year: 1992
Originally launched in 1992 and extensively rebuilt in 2013, the classic schooner Alexa of London combines traditional craftsmanship with modern systems while retaining much of her original character. One of the fleet’s most recognisable heritage yachts, she brings classic sail power and timeless lines to the Cyclades for 2026.
Cool Turabi
Length: 27.7m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Year: 2009
Built by renowned Finnish yard Nautor Swan, Cool Turabi combines classic Swan styling with competitive sailing capability and joins as part of a fleet that continues to blend owner-driven cruising programmes with more performance-oriented entries.
Inoui
Length: 33.4m
Builder: Vitters
Year: 2013
Designed by Philippe Briand and built by Dutch shipyard Vitters, Inoui has quickly become one of the most visually recognisable yachts associated with the regatta thanks to her lime green hull and pink detailing. She joins the Cyclades Cup for the first time in 2026, alongside fellow Vitters-built yacht La Belle.
Mari-Cha III
Length: 44m
Builder: Sensation
Year: 1997
Built in New Zealand to a Philippe Briand design, Mari-Cha III became one of the most celebrated yachts in modern offshore sailing after setting a new transatlantic record in 1998. Sailing from New York to Lizard Point in southern England in just 8 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 41 seconds, she averaged an extraordinary 14 knots across the Atlantic. Now preparing to make her Cyclades Cup debut in 2026, she remains one of the most recognisable and respected names in performance sailing history.
Ocean Pure 2
Length: 40m
Builder: Concorde
Year: 1992
Designed by Farr Yacht Design, the 40-metre Ocean Pure 2 is one of only three Mirabella 40 yachts ever built. Combining long-range cruising capability with a serious offshore sailing pedigree, the yacht remains a distinctive and comparatively rare presence on the international regatta circuit.
Perseus
Length: 49.81 m
Builder: Perini Navi
Year: 2001
Designed by Ron Holland and built by Perini Navi, the 50-metre Perseus is regarded as one of the most performance-oriented yachts produced within the Italian yard’s iconic 50-metre series. Recognisable for her dark hull and powerful sail plan, she has raced extensively across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, New Zealand and Australian superyacht regatta circuits and makes her Cyclades Cup debut in 2026.
Sentinel
Length: 25m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Year: 2001
Designed by Germán Frers and built by renowned Finnish yard Nautor Swan, Sentinel is part of the highly regarded Swan 82 series, combining refined styling with strong offshore sailing capability. Featuring interiors by Italian studio Lazzarini Pickering, she joins the Cyclades Cup fleet as part of a growing mix of owner-driven yachts balancing performance sailing with Mediterranean cruising.
Vantanera
Length: 30.6 m
Builder: Wally
Year: 2003
Originally launched in 2003, Vantanera is one of the iconic Wally performance cruisers designed by Germàn Frers. Built entirely in carbon fibre, she combines timeless design and luxury cruising with proven regatta performance. Vantanera competes on the international circuit, including the St Barths Bucket, Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and Rolex Maxi Worlds. In 2026, she makes her debut at the Cyclades Cup.
Windrose of Amsterdam
Length: 46.32m
Builder: Holland Jachtbouw
Year: 2002
Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, the 46-metre schooner Windrose of Amsterdam remains one of the largest and most recognisable classic sailing yachts actively competing today. Having appeared at regattas around the world, she brings significant heritage and traditional sail power to the Cyclades Cup fleet.
The racing
Antiparos continues to deliver classic Aegean conditions and dynamic racecourse options, a defining hallmark of the regatta’s appeal for both competitors and spectators. Racing unfolds between Antiparos, Paros and the surrounding islands under the steady Meltemi winds for which the region is renowned.
Classes include Corinthian Spirit for relaxed cruising trim, the 90-Foot Class for competitive medium-sized superyachts and the 100-Foot Racing Class for performance-driven yachts. Each day’s course is selected according to conditions, delivering two to 3.5 hours of exhilarating yet safe sailing. The 2026 race courses and Notice of Race have been released.
The regatta is organised by the Yacht Club of Greece in collaboration with the World Superyacht Awards judge and owner of 50-metre Almyra II, Ilia Rigas. Cyclades Cup is an officially sanctioned event of the SuperYacht Racing Association, with BOAT International as media partner.
The social programme
Beyond the racecourse, the Cyclades Cup is fast earning a reputation for its carefully curated social and cultural programme, which continues to expand in 2026. This considered approach balances competitive racing with social and cultural experiences, while ensuring the event remains both international in calibre and deeply rooted in its Cycladic setting.
This year’s calendar will include:
- The crew SUP race and beach barbecue, hosted by Pantaenius and introduced in 2025, returns following a strong reception from both crew and guests.
- Deepening its connection to place, a private guided tour of the ancient ruins of Despotiko - one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Cyclades - will be led by archaeologist Giannos Kouragios and hosted in collaboration with the Cycladic Identity initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art.
- A welcome party hosted by SEASE - the Italian lifestyle brand founded by Giacomo and Franco Loro Piana - will bring together owners, guests and partners for a spectacular start to the week, with wine partner Whispering Angel.
- The Owners’ Dinner, hosted by IYC and Jetcraft, will take place within a private olive grove. Guests will gather around long tables set beneath the trees for an intimate and atmospheric evening that reflects the character and pace of the island.
- A beach party hosted by Nepheli to celebrate the younger participants.
- A closing awards night and barbecue sponsored by Platinum partner UBS. UBS will also be presenting the race day on the final day, extending their involvement through to the closing awards ceremony, creating a natural conclusion to the week.
Alongside the core programme, there is a continued emphasis on local engagement. In the lead-up to the event, the local sailing club hosted a session with Olympic sailors, including a tour of a participating yacht, offering younger sailors a direct connection to the fleet. A local community group will also perform at the awards ceremony, further grounding the event within the community.
Giving back
Giving back is central to the Cyclades Cup’s long-term relationship with Antiparos and is shaped by a belief in preserving the island’s cultural and social fabric. The regatta supports the Cycladic Identity initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, helping celebrate and safeguard the heritage of the Cycladic islands through meaningful cultural exchange.
During race week, this connection is reflected through on-shore experiences that bring sailors, residents and cultural voices together – from guided walks and shared conversations, to the involvement of local youth and cultural groups. Support for the Antiparos Primary School and engagement with local sailing activity further reinforce the Cup’s aim to contribute more meaningfully.
Equally, respect for the island’s marine environment guides every aspect of the regatta, reflecting a commitment to stewardship of the waters and coastlines that sustain both sailing and local life. In this way, giving back is not an add-on; it is fundamental to how the Cyclades Cup exists, ensuring the event remains a living part of Antiparos rather than simply passing through it. Find out more here.
The partners
The Cyclades Cup has also confirmed its partners for the 2026 edition, continuing its focus on long-term alignment within its owner-led community.
Returning for a third consecutive year, UBS continues as Platinum Partner, with IYC, Numarine and Wally at Gold level, and Jetcraft, Octium Group, SEASE and Vitters Shipyard as Silver Partners. Feadship and Pantelakis & Partners join at Bronze level alongside returning partners Pantaenius, Perga and Southern Spars.
Those interested in taking part in the Cyclades Cup are invited to click below for further details.
FIND OUT MORE