The 2025 Cyclades Cup Superyacht Regatta: Event recap

The second edition of the Cyclades Cup - Antiparos concluded on 15 June 2025 with three days of exhilarating superyacht racing and unforgettable island experiences, cementing it as one of the must-attend events on the superyacht racing calendar.

Set against the postcard-perfect backdrop of Antiparos and its neighbouring isles, the event brought together a stellar fleet of sailing yachts including Acool Turabi, Aiolos, Almyra II, Arktos,  Barong D,  Burrasca, FIVEA , Galma,  Meliti, Nommo, Nostromo, Plaz, Puritan, Tawera, Umiko and Wally B. competing in five classes: Meltemi, Cyclades, Apollo, Nireas and Skyphian. Organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece and World Superyacht Awards judge Ilia Rigas - also owner of the 49.8-metre Almyra II - the regatta is an officially sanctioned event of the SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA).

Racing highlights

Day One delivered textbook Aegean conditions, with a spirited Meltemi peaking at 27 knots. Under blue skies and choppy seas, the fleet carved its way through a challenging course shaped by wind funnels and island topography. Victories were claimed by Aiolos, Barong D, Puritan, Nostromo and Fivea across their respective classes. The day ended with a vibrant Welcome Party, sponsored by UBS.

Day Two proved the most exhilarating yet, with steady breezes between 15–25 knots pushing the yachts to peak performance. Acool Turabi came top in the Cyclades class, while Galma took first in Meltemi. Puritan and Nostromo dominated their classes, each securing a second straight win in Nireas and Skyphian respectively. Race director Stratis Andreadis praised the conditions as “unmatched,” while SYRA manager and Olympic champion Shirley Robertson noted the event's “unique magic” and fast-growing reputation.

Participants were treated post-race to a guided tour of the historic Antiparos Castle, followed by a refined Owner's Club Dinner hosted by BOAT International.

Day Three, unfortunately, saw racing cancelled due to gusts in excess of 30 knots at Mark One and Two. But spirits remained high as owners, guests and crew regrouped for the official Awards Ceremony at the Antiparos School, followed by a closing night celebration at Bardot, one of the island’s most stylish hotspots.

Final results and the Grand Prize

Final race results reflected strong performances across the fleet:

• Cyclades: Acool Turabi emerged on top, ahead of Aiolos, Umiko, and Meliti.
• Meltemi: Galma secured the win, followed by Barong D and Wally B.
• Nireas: Puritan dominated with a flawless scoreline.
• Skyphian: Nostromo proved unstoppable, with three consecutive victories.
• Apollo: Burrasca rebounded from a Day One penalty to win overall.  
  

This year’s Grand Prize, a hand-carved replica Cycladic head made from Parian white marble, was awarded to the 30.1-metre Pendennis yacht Nostromo. The yacht’s consistency across changing conditions, together with her dominating presence in the Skyphian class, made her a deserving recipient of the “Head of the Fleet” title. “With good winds, perfect weather, expert support from the Yacht Club of Greece and above all, superb organisation on sea and land by Ilia Rigas and the Cyclades Cup team, the 2025 regatta was memorable," said owner Sir Andrew Cook on receiving the prize. "Only two years since inception, this must now be the 'benchmark' superyacht event against which all others should be judged. Roll on 2026!"

More than a regatta

More than just a competitive regatta, the Cyclades Cup – Antiparos has cemented its reputation as a vibrant gathering of the superyacht community. The invitation for motor yachts over 30 metres to join the festivities added depth to the social programme, which included sunset cocktails, island tours and exclusive dinners - all framed by the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Ilia Rigas captured the spirit of the event perfectly: “Racing around the Greek Islands, feeling all the boats really close together and sensing that all of them were happy was really the best. Sharing an experience like this with friends, relatives, kids, sponsors and guests… just couldn’t be better.”

With its combination of top-tier racing, cultural immersion, and laid-back island luxury, the Cyclades Cup – Antiparos is rapidly becoming a hallmark of the Mediterranean sailing season. As Shirley Robertson aptly put it: “It’s unmissable.”

Read More/Member's logbook: Ilia Rigas shares her plans for the Cyclades Cup on her 50m yacht Almyra II

THE RACE IN DETAIL

Day One

Day One of the Cyclades Cup - Antiparos delivered classic Aegean conditions, with a powerful Meltemi peaking at 20 knots and gusting to 27. The fleet battled a tactical course shaped by funnelling winds and shadow zones near Paros and Antiparos, negotiating choppy 0.44 m seas, shifting winds and pressure differentials. Despite the complexity, racers reported a thrilling day under clear skies and 24°C warmth. The day wrapped up in style with a jovial Welcome Party, sponsored by UBS.

Day Two 

Day two of the Cyclades Cup delivered stellar conditions. The infamous Meltemi wind really showed its colours and built to a powerful 15-25 knots. 17 of the most spectacular yachts fully powered up, pushing hard for the win. 

Shirley Robertson, manager of the Superyacht Racing Association, said, "It’s only the second year the Cyclades Cup has featured on the Superyacht Racing circuit, but you can sense its popularity is set to grow. Owners, sailors and event partners are truly enjoying discovering the unique magic of both the spectacular race track and the charm of the host Island, Antiparos. Both on and off the water, this event is delivering something really new – a warm, effortless welcome from an Island community… A head-turning coastline and a reliable breeze. It’s unmissable."

Stratis Andreadis, Race Director, agreed, adding: "There are few places in the Mediterranean, and dare I say, on Earth, with such a spectacular mix of azure water, cooling breezes, tactical sailing and glorious lifestyle. The whole race management team of the Yacht Club of Greece, along with ORC and SYRA feel blessed to be able to offer such great racing in such a stunning, unexplored corner of our world."

The 30-metre Pendennis Nostromo was Skyphian class victor for the second day running, so no surprise that her owner, Sir Andrew Cook, was in a celebratory mood: "You come to the Cyclades for great wind and climate, and you come to the Cyclades for Ambience. And today was AAA in all three."

“It's taken several regattas over a number of years to really get a boat and team to perform. I’m very fortunate to have the Olympic gold medalist Jesper Bank as my race skipper... And it goes well."

Owner of Almyra and founder of the Cyclades Cup Ilia Riga also finished the day on a high. “Racing around the Greek Islands, feeling all the boats really close together and sensing that all of them were happy was really the best”

“It was very special for me, the conditions were as perfect as they could be, sharing an experience like today with friends, relatives, kids, sponsors and guests…just couldn’t be better.”

After the race was over, guests were given a guided tour around the historic Antiparos Castle, a picturesque white-walled fortified settlement with cobbled alleyways and one of the most important medieval buildings in the Aegean. The day concluded with an exclusive Owner's Club Dinner for participating yacht owners and friends hosted by BOAT International.

Day Three

Unsuitable weather conditions means that racing has been cancelled for Day Three. Owners, captains and crew will now regroup tonight for the Awards Ceremony and BBQ at Antiparos School, followed by an exclusive closing party at hip bar/restaurant Bardot. 

Read More/All the coolest yachts competing at the 2025 Cyclades Cup