One of the closest contests of the day unfolded among the Wally contingent, where Barong D and Wally B traded positions in the Meltemi class during the opening stages of the race. With four Wally yachts competing at this year's regatta, the strong showing from the iconic performance cruisers is likely to be one of the stories to watch as the week progresses...
The first hour of racing produced some dramatic scenes as colourful spinnakers filled across the fleet, with yachts making the most of the early breeze while navigating the islands of the central Cyclades. Among the early frontrunners on the water were Perseus in Apollo, Nostromo in Cyclades, Windrose in Nireas and Cool Turabi in Skyphian, while Barong D and Wally B enjoyed a particularly close contest in the Meltemi class.
The opening race of Cyclades Cup 2026 is under way, with the fleet setting off across two courses in the waters surrounding Antiparos and Paros.
With yachts starting at staggered intervals according to class and handicap, success is determined not simply by who crosses the line first but by corrected times calculated across the fleet. Conditions initially appear favourable, with a light west-northwesterly breeze allowing the yachts to settle into the opening stages of the race.