Racing, results and exclusive updates from the Cyclades Cup 2026

Longer courses set as stronger breeze arrives

Race officials have confirmed today's courses following this morning's captains' briefing, with both fleets set for significantly longer passages than yesterday as stronger northerly winds settle across the Cyclades.

The Apollo, Cyclades and Nireas classes will race on Course 99 Echo, a 23-nautical-mile route taking competitors around four marks before rounding Cape Petalida and returning to the finish line. Meanwhile, the faster Meltemi and Skyphian classes will tackle the longer Course 99 Foxtrot, a 27-nautical-mile test featuring an additional mark and a more demanding circuit through the islands.

With winds forecast between 15 and 25 knots across parts of the race area, today's courses are expected to place a greater emphasis on tactics and boat handling than the lighter-air races seen earlier in the week. Multiple mark roundings and changes in angle should keep crews busy throughout the afternoon, particularly on the return legs where shifting breeze and island effects are likely to come into play.

After yesterday's shortened race in modest conditions, today's longer courses offer the fleet its most substantial challenge of the regatta so far – and perhaps the closest taste yet of classic Cyclades sailing.

Strong breeze promises a very different final day on the water

After two days of light and unpredictable conditions, competitors at the Cyclades Cup woke to a markedly different forecast this morning, with a northerly breeze building across the racecourse and organisers assessing a range of options ahead of today's start.

Conditions in Antiparos are currently sitting at around 22°C with partly cloudy skies, while race officials reported winds of between 18 and 25 knots on the racecourse during the morning reconnaissance.

"The conditions are completely different today compared to yesterday," said ORC superyacht manager Alberto Pindozzi following the captains' briefing. "The wind that entered yesterday evening is blowing quite well. The guys outside are reporting between 18 and 25 knots, which is pretty spicy."

Race management is considering courses to the east of Antiparos, potentially towards Despotiko, with final decisions dependent on how the breeze develops throughout the morning. Mark-laying teams have been deployed to monitor conditions across the course area.

"The idea is probably to go on the east side, but we are not sure yet," Pindozzi explained. "We're trying to understand which is the best way to go and what the real evolution of the wind and weather will be."

With stronger winds and a more established sea state expected, crews are likely to face a significantly more demanding tactical challenge than yesterday's shortened race. The larger yachts, particularly the Perini Navi entries, could find manoeuvres more difficult in the choppier conditions.

"The possible options are requiring a lot of manoeuvres, a lot of work from the crew and a lot of sail changes," said Pindozzi. "They need to be very tactical today."

If the forecast holds, today's racing could deliver some of the most dynamic sailing of the regatta so far, with organisers optimistic that the fleet will finally get the stronger Cyclades conditions for which the event has become known.

Owners gather for exclusive dinner

This evening, participating owners and guests gather for one of the most anticipated social events of the week, an intimate dinner set among Antiparos' olive groves.