Cyclades Cup 2026: The superyacht regatta where hospitality comes first

A regatta with a soul, the third edition of the Cyclades Cup was a celebration of core yachting values: shared passion and camaraderie, discovers Holly Margerrison, whose coverage of the event can also be followed in BOAT's Cyclades Cup live blog.

With Greek hospitality being world renowned, it’s no wonder that the Cyclades Cup, founded by Greek yacht owner and World Superyacht Awards judge Ilia Rigas, has so quickly become one of the most sought-after invitations on the international superyacht racing calendar. Organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece and sanctioned by the SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA), the regatta is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aegean islands and the warm conviviality of Antiparos.

The 2026 edition brought together 21 yachts ranging from classic schooners and bluewater cruisers to competitive performance yachts like 44-metre Mari-Cha III. Among them were four Wally yachts, three Perini Navis and a strong contingent from Vitters and Nautor Swan, reflecting the fleet’s calibre and diversity. 

Adding further distinction to the occasion, J Class yacht Shamrock V joined the festivities as a special guest. With participation capped at 25 yachts, organisers believe the event has reached its ideal scale. The focus is no longer on growth, but on maintaining the quality of the fleet, strengthening partnerships and preserving the special atmosphere.

Conditions throughout the week served as a reminder that sailing in the Cyclades is never predictable. The opening day – IYC Race Day – began under promising skies before the breeze faded dramatically, ultimately forcing race officials to abandon racing. Rather than dampening spirits, the setback highlighted one of the defining characteristics of the Cyclades Cup: its ability to balance world-class sailing with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ashore.

Racing resumed on day two – Octium Race Day – in light but workable conditions, rewarding tactical decision-making and precise boat handling. By the final day, the Meltemi had returned in style, delivering fresh northerly winds of up to 25 knots and the kind of exhilarating Aegean sailing for which the event has become known. Longer courses, tactical island effects and frequent sail changes tested crews across all five classes; it was a fitting conclusion to the regatta.

Yet the Cyclades Cup is about far more than results. Beyond the racecourse, owners, guests and crew were immersed in the culture and character of Antiparos. Highlights included a private archaeological tour of the Temple of Apollo on nearby Despotiko, led by renowned archaeologist Yannos Kourayos. Organised with the Cycladic Identity Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, the experience offered guests rare access to one of the Cyclades’ most significant archaeological sites.

The social calendar also featured a welcome celebration hosted by SEASE and AMAALA Residences, the ever-popular Pantaenius SUP Race and Beach BBQ and the annual Owners’ Dinner hosted by IYC – the International Yacht Company – and Jetcraft beneath the olive trees of Agrilia Estate. 

Set around a spectacular candlelit table under the stars, the evening perfectly captured the intimate and authentic atmosphere that has become the hallmark of the event. Across the regatta, guests were welcomed ashore with Whispering Angel and La Scolca wines, supplied by Trinity Wines, reflecting the spirit of hospitality that lies at the heart of the Cyclades Cup.

Platinum Partner UBS sponsored the final day of racing and the Awards Ceremony, continuing a partnership that has been part of the Cyclades Cup story since its inaugural edition. For the awards, more than 600 owners, guests, crew and local residents gathered at Antiparos Primary School, where traditional performances by local dance groups and schoolchildren celebrated the close relationship that has developed between the regatta and the island.

Reflecting on the week, Rigas emphasised the values that define the Cyclades Cup.“Looking back at these five days, we shared every possible emotion – excitement, stress, disappointment, happiness and many moments of adrenaline. But above all, we shared genuine connections, friendships and memories that I hope will stay with us for a long time,” she said. “We are proud that the Cyclades Cup remains small, intimate and authentic. It is about people, friendships and creating meaningful experiences together.”

In this third edition, the Cyclades Cup appears to have found its sweet spot. Competition remains at its heart, but the combination of sailing, culture, hospitality and genuine human connection sets it apart. In an increasingly crowded regatta calendar, the real strength of the Cyclades Cup may be its sense of belonging – for a few days each June, everyone becomes part of the same family.

First published in the August 2026 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.