The Cyclades Cup 2025 Superyacht Regatta: day one

11 June 2025 • Written by Lucy Dunn

The Cyclades Cup - Antiparos is underway. Now in 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.

Credit: Zoe Cox | Quin Bisset - Studio Illume

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. The Meltemi and Apollo categories - named after mythological figures - have drawn an impressive fleet, including Acool Turabi, Aiolos, Alexa of London, Almyra II , Aristarchos, Arktos, Barong D, Burrasca, FIVEA, Glafki IV , Galma, Meliti, Nommo, Nostromo, Plaz, Puritan, Tawera, Umiko and Wally B. Races will 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.

WinWin battled to take first place in the Meltemi Division

Credit: Zoe Cox | Quin Bisset - Studio Illume

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 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 ONE RACE RESULTS

CYCLADES:
Aiolos leads, followed by Acool Turabi and Umiko. Melitti scored a DNS. Check out positions here.

MELTEMI:
Barong D leads, followed by Wally B and Galma. Check out positions here.

NIREAS:
Puritan leads followed by Arktos. Check out positions here.

SKYPHIAN:
Nostromo leads, followed by Plaz, Nommo and Tawera. Check out positions here.

APOLLO:
Fivea leads, followed by Burrasca (awarded a 1.5 penalty), La Belle and Almyra II. Check out positions here.

Day Two

The weather office reports a pronounced thermal low over the Middle East extending into the Aegean, driving a moderate to fresh Meltemi. Boats can expect strong funnelling between the islands, particularly around Paros, causing gusts that might exceed forecasted values, as well as significant pressure differences across the race course.

Tune in later for more race updates.