The 2025 Cyclades Cup Superyacht Regatta: Day three

The Cyclades Cup - Antiparos is currently underway. Now in its second year, the event will run until 15 June 2025 on the picturesque island of Antiparos, Greece.

The regatta is organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece and World Superyacht Awards judge and owner of the 49.8-metre Almyra II, Ilia Rigas. Cyclades Cup - Antiparos is an officially sanctioned event of the SuperYacht Racing Association.

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

This year’s racing lineup includes sailing yachts over 30 metres competing across three days, with additional 27.4-metre and 30.5-metre racing classes. There are five classes, Meltemi, Cyclades, Apollo, Nireas and Skyphian, which have drawn an impressive fleet, including Acool Turabi, Aiolos, Almyra II, Arktos,  Barong D,  Burrasca, FIVEA , Galma,  Meliti, Nommo, Nostromo, Plaz, Puritan, Tawera, Umiko and Wally B.  Each day's race is set to take two to 3.5 hours and depending on the weather, one of six circuits will be chosen which weave through the islands of Despotiko, Sikinos and Ios.

The Cyclades Cup – Antiparos isn’t just about the races, it's also an opportunity to bring together all superyacht owners, guests, captains and crew to connect, unwind, and explore. For that reason, the event invites motor yachts over 30 metres to join in the festivities and enjoy a packed social calendar including sunset cocktails, dinners and island exploration.

At last year’s inaugural Cup, the prestigious Grand Prize – a replica Cycladic head crafted from exquisite Parian white marble and inspired by the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens – was awarded to Mike Mahoney, owner of 28-metre Alloy Yachts Tawera. Mahoney earned the title Head of the Fleet by taking first place in his racing division with the largest cumulative margin in corrected time. Tawera is back on the water this week, ready to defend her title.

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