A grand event was held Thursday, 5 May, at the Yacht Club of Greece (YCG) to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the “Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta”, which has become one of the most notable classic yacht races internationally.
The commemorative race featuring classic and traditional boats – the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta 2022 (SCYR), to be held 23-26 June, will see the beautiful island in the Argosaronic Gulf, and particularly the strip of water separating Spetses from the shores of the Peloponnese, deluged by classic yachts, traditional work boats, open boats, family dinghies and some of the most famous classic yachts from Greece and abroad.


The president of the SCYR 2022 Organising Committee and member of the YCG Board of Directors, Liza Stathatou, mentioned some of the milestones of the event from 2012 to the present, including the continuing addition of new boat categories. In 2012, the category of “Traditional Lateens” was added; in 2015, the “Contemporary Classics”; in 2017, the “Traditional Dinghies”; and in 2016, the “Spirit of Tradition” category expanded the event to include some special participants. Also in 2014, a special award was introduced in “Recognition of a Life’s Work in Wooden Boat-building”; in 2015, came the Concours d’Elegance prize, sponsored by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel; while more than 30 awards have been given for “Best Showing” to boats in all classes. Some of the highlights in the regatta’s history included the participation of 10 Olympic champion sailors for the first time in Greek water sports in 2013, and the recognition earned for the event’s contribution to sustainability with the “Sailors for the Sea Gold Level Clean Regattas” certification granted in 2019.
The anniversary event was also honoured by the attendance of Tourism Deputy Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Sports Deputy Minister Lefteris Avgenakis.
The sponsors of the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta were also recognised at the event for their significant contribution. These sponsors included Gold Sponsor and alcoholic beverage company AMVYX, which is once again proudly supporting SCYR 2022 for the fifth consecutive year with two iconic brands. Moët & Chandon champagne and premium Belvedere vodka are joining forces to highlight the mission of this important event by stressing fair play and teamwork as values esteemed around the world throughout history. AMVYX General Manager Ioannis Artinos stated: “Consistent with the values that define the prestigious brands we represent, again this year we are standing behind this event of such great importance for Greece and for world sports. We are very proud that for the past five years – and despite the adversities – we are demonstrating through this sponsorship our unshakeable commitment to the sport of sailing and to the principle of fair play.”

Moët & Chandon is sponsoring the event not only because it is integral to its nature to support excellence, success and firsts, but also because for centuries, since 1743, it has been the champagne of victors, of great moments and of savoir-faire. As a Gold Sponsor of the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta 2022, the top, most favoured champagne in the world, Moët & Chandon, shares a pioneering vision with this prestigious sport, which is the epitome of elegant achievement and constant pursuit of victory.

Belvedere has set a new standard of excellence by being first to launch the super-premium vodka class. It is the original and sincere expression of a premium vodka that represents 600 years of tradition and know-how. IT is an authentic vodka made exclusively of 100% Polish rye and water from the distillery’s privately owned natural well. Belvedere stands for quality and not quantity – uncompromising quality, unique flavour and completely natural ingredients, without added sugars or glycerine. Two ingredients are all it takes: nothing more, nothing less.

Other supporters of the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta 2022 include:

The historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which serves as the main staging area each year, will once again be the major patron for the event, and will again sponsor the Concours d’Elegance award for the best maintained authentic yachts. Julius Baer, the best-known financial management team from Switzerland, which offers top-flight services around the world from the most capable experts, will be the financial partner for the event. Another sponsor of the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta will be bwin, one of the major brands in the games of chance and sports betting market, which provides gambling services through its technological platform. Event supporters include the Amanzoe luxury resort, a local point of reference, and Sebago, which prioritises respect for the art of handmade shoe and will provide the shoes for the race committee. Other supporters are Salty Bag, which will sew the skippers’ bags for the races from reused sails, and Hellenic Seaways, which will undertake the transportation for the race committees.

DECADE MILESTONES

  • 2012 New category of “Traditional Lateens” is introduced
  • 2013 Participation of 10 Olympic champion sailors for the first time in the history of Greek water sports  
  • 2014 “Recognition of a Life’s Work in Wooden Boat-building” award is introduced  
  • 2015 Concours d’Elegance award is launched, sponsored by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel
  • 2015 New category for “Contemporary Classics” is added
  • 2016 “Spirit of Tradition” category expands the field of special entries 
  • 2017 “Traditional Dinghies” category introduced
  • 2019 First race in Greece to receive the sustainability certification, “Sailors for the Sea Gold Level Clean Regattas” 
  • More than 30 “Best Showing” cups have been presented to boats in all classes