Leg 4 was the longest due to its length of 135 miles and the most challenging due to the conditions that prevailed. OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN and her tough 15 men crew managed superbly the mental and physical stress that occurred to all competing crews and scored another 1st place Overall and 1st in class 1, in IRC division in Leg 4 from SAMOS to SOUNION of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. This perfect result allowed OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM to extend its lead at the result table for the AEGEAN RALLY TROPHY.
“The start from Samos was nerve breaking. Very-very light wind and short choppy waves blocked for 3 hours our effort to leave behind the bay of Karlovassi, Samos. We were the 4th boat out on clear wind but positioned tactically well to the right for the expected heavy weather conditions. And heavy they were, for the next 8 hours, force 7 winds prevailed on a tight angle that made the ride very-very wet. After sunset, the wind dropped dramatically and became patchy. The crew tired enough had to go through continuous headsail changes to get the boat going as fast as possible. We knew from the forecast that after 01:00 the wind would go really light at the finish area and we could sense that the forecast was proving correct and we were already late. We escaped a wind trap in Kea and progressed slowly towards Makronissos. The last 6 miles to the finish were really slow and nail bitters on board were working overtime. We crossed the finishing line 1st at 02:27 in complete darkness due to a new moon, after 16,5 hours of racing, at the very slow speed of 1.85 knots/h! But really happy we made it. Especially when we learned much later on that the next boat crossed the line almost 7 hours later!” explains George (Iso) Panagiotides pitman of the team, and responsible for the boat’s provisions.
So, we are leading, but we need to perform as well in the inshore Windward/Leeward races around buoys tomorrow, to bag the AEGEAN RALLY Cup. 2nd placed A35 skippered by top Olympics sailor Leo Pelekanakis, who was helmsman on the winning boat of last year’s Aegean Rally, is seriously threatening the top position we hold since the finish of Leg 2 in Leros. History says we excel under pressure. We all have to wait and see.
CAPE SOUNION, ATTICA, GREECE, Saturday 25 July 2009 00:45
OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN FIGHTING THE FINISH AT CAPE SOUNION
Four thousand years ago at this same landmark, the temple of Poseidon at cape Sounion, King Aegeus jumped into the sea and drowned, mistaken in his belief that his son had been slain in Creta. Upon his departure, Aegeus told his son to put up the white sails when returning if he was successful in killing the
Minotaur. However, when Theseus returned he forgot these instructions and hoisted the black sails.
Tonight we will not be mistaken when OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN crosses the finish line at cape Sounion with her
black carbon / kevlar sails. The news so far are good as OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN holds a strong 15 miles
lead ahead of the second boat and a 25 miles lead ahead of the second in the overall IRC ranking for
the Aegean Rally trophy. However nothing is over yet as in offshore racing conditions can shift, make the rich poor and the poor get rich! The boys on OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN will need to release all their strength and
keep fighting the race during the night.
ATHENS, Friday 24 July 2009 16:55
AEGEAN RALLY RACING FLEET RETURNS HOME
After staring in tricky light air conditions, the Aegean Rally fleet is crossing central Aegean Sea in heavy winds towards the infamous Cavo d' Oro and then to the finish line at Cape Sounion below the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon.
Optimum 3 - GARMIN holds a light advance but the next hours will be crucial as a podium finish on this leg might give the overall trophy winner. All the boys onboard want a clear win and are prepared to give all they have for this!
KARLOVASI, SAMOS ISLAND, GREECE, Thursday 23 July 2009 19:30
ANOTHER SOLID RESULT ON LEG 3
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN put in a strong fight with force 7 winds upwind, and scored 3rd place Overall and 2nd in class 1, in IRC division in Leg 3 from LEROS to SAMOS of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. This strong result allowed OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM to keep leading the result table of the AEGEAN RALLY.
“As expected, it was mainly sailing upwind or close-reaching in winds up to 30-32 knots. We had some breakages in ropes and blocks but we managed to keep going strong without loosing significant time. What cost us probably another clear win was a tactical error approaching the finishing line in Samos. However, we picked it rather early and turned back knowing we were going to loose a few places but decided to do so instead of loosing 10 places! In the end, it turned out we lost only 2 places and were more than happy with the result. Of course, turning back and sailing away from the finishing line to avoid a “hole” of no wind is a hard call, but a similar situation a few years ago in Amorgos island (we were stuck for 4 hours) is an experience that has become a nightmare we don’t want to go through ever again” states Pericles Livas helmsman and co-owner of the team.
The battle for top spot of the podium heats up as always in the AEGEAN RALLY, and Leg 4 might clear up the picture. OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN leads the table on 7 points, A35 follows on 8 points and ACES 3rd on 9 points. Winds of force 7 are forecasted, which suit us well but there is an optimum balance you must keep perfectly between how hard you push your people and equipment and the risk of breakages or injuries. Judge it wrong and you are history. Need to put some more work on the boat for Friday’s Leg 4 start from SAMOS to SOUNIO. Fingers crossed!
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Tuesday 21 July 2009 17:20
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN WINS LEG 2 OF AEGEAN RALLY!
Pushing hard in force 8 winds paid of handsomely! OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN won 1st place Overall and 1st in class 1, in IRC division in Leg 2 from SYROS to LEROS of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. This perfect result also moved OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM in 1st place Overall after the completion of 2 out of the 6 races that will crown the winner of this year’s edition of the AEGEAN RALLY.
“My arms are soared, my face is sunburned, my mouth is still salty but I would go out there at once with this team without second thought. It was so much fun riding down hundreds of serious waves to get to Leros, feeling totally in control, alongside a team that was pushing hard in heavy weather conditions. And that atmosphere on board has taken years and thousands of racing miles to create, but once you have it, it is serious fun that you can’t wait for more”, says Gerry Petratos, grinder and all purpose trimmer of the team.
The crew spent the day checking, servicing and maintaining OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN and will be available to get another trophy for its top podium position in tonight’s prize giving ceremony for Leg 2. After that, a good night sleep is mandatory to get everyone back in full power for the start of leg 3 from LEROS to SAMOS tomorrow at 10:00. The weather prediction is for force 6 Beaufort, and the route will be mostly upwind, meaning this time we will have to climb up hundreds of waves and sort out the navigation and tactical puzzle of passing the narrow channel between Samos and the coast of Turkey. So be it!
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Monday 20 July 2009 21:45
AEGEAN ARCHIPELAGOS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME!
Picture this: Sunshine, perfect blue skies, deep blue sea, temperatures up to 36 degrees. If you are a sailor competing at the 46th AEGEAN RALLY Leg 2 from SYROS to LEROS and you add the presence of the famous “meltemi” winds at full glory, blowing between 6 to 8 Beaufort, then you are definitely set up for what is called worldwide: Champagne t-shirt sailing conditions! And that is what we enjoyed for 7 hours and 6 minutes that took us to cover the 92 miles to Leros island.
“It was a racing sailor’s dream. Especially for us, the 15-strong, men only, crew on board OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN, the fastest boat in the fleet. Broad reaching in angles between 115 to 145, on amazing surfing waves, at speeds over 20 knots on shorts and t-shirts was testing but so rewarding. We were so wet from the fire hose conditions and so happily smiling all along the way. At the start, we were conservative and put in a reef and a Jib Top, since the wind was up to 35 knots. An hour later that the angle eased and we have settled on a nice rhythm of steering the waves and trimming the sails, we went for full mainsail, and although the wind went up to 40 knots and the handheld GARMIN recorded 25.4 knots top speed, we had no control problems, just more water over the deck and everywhere. Two and a half hours later the angle eased more and the wind dropped to 25-30 knot bracket and we hoisted the A3 masthead spinnaker to keep our adrenaline running and make sure we get another podium result for the race. Unforgettable…” admits Nick Lazos co-owner and tactician / navigator of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM.
“As an ideal strong grinder of 135 kilos, I get upset hearing stories from windsurfers, dinghy sailors, etc. about surfing-down-the-wave stories. Now, after today, I have my own story. I was controlling the pace of the surfing of a 52-footer through my grinding pedestal for hours. Going endlessly from 16 to 21+ knots is SURFING!” declares John Rallis, the “big guy” of OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN.
As expected, OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN was the first boat in Leros but now has to wait the other boats to finish, handicap to be applied and results to be posted. However, we think we gave a strong and fearless fight out there and we are looking for the reward.
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Monday 20 July 2009 17:15
OPTIMUM3 - GARMIN LINE HONOURS AT LEROS
Smoking across the Aegean Sea from Syros to Leros Optimum3 has added one more line honours into the collection, 10 miles ahead of the second fastet boat in a fleat of 46! Well done boys!
SYROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Sunday 19 July 2009 23:15
READY TO GO ON LEG 2: SYROS – LEROS
The 15 crew members of OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN concluded all the Job List of checking and repairing / maintaining the yacht’s systems, taking good rest alongside, in order to be 100% ready for battle in tomorrow’s start for the 2nd Leg from SYROS to LEROS of 98 miles of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY.
“We have to deal with a thoroughbred racing yacht that is built exclusively from carbon like the yachts that compete in the America’s Cup or the Volvo Ocean Race. That means that a certain set of procedures have to be followed after every race the boat completes and before the start of the next. These include various checklists on boat systems and structures, sails and rig components to make sure that there is no failure or damage. The forecast for tomorrow calls for winds up to force 6 in Beaufort scale, and we take no chance to have any damage that can cost us positions at the results table or worse to have to abandon racing. The only way to avoid such a situation is to do your homework with discipline”, explains Costis Afentakis, the mastman of the team, after he concluded the mast check that towers 26 meters above sea level!
Tonight, Sunday at 21:00, the prizegiving ceremony for the winners of Leg 1, Faliron – Syros will take place. OVER.
SYROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Saturday 18 July 2009 14:20
PODIUM FINISH FOR OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN!
It feels nice to wake up and get the good news. OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN managed 3rd place overall and 1st place in class 1 in IRC for the first leg of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY from FALIRON to SYROS. It is a good start to a long 10-day regatta and forms a good basis for a final solid result.
“Going flat out for 14 hours, 9 of them in complete darkness, without any sleep is very testing. Especially when you lead the fleet in light winds and the boats behind get to see where you ran out of wind and take avoiding action and get back close to you again and again. It is nerve breaking. Add to that continuous changes from Jib to JibTop to Spinnaker again and again, and is exhausting too But we ended up well, beaten up in handicap at the Overall standings only by two 35-footers with strong teams from class 2, that finished in real time more than 2,5 hours behind. There is a short Job List to be worked out and nice beaches, bars and restaurants to relax ourselves the next day or so” says Alexis Marougas, our star bowman racing always with shaved head for better aerodynamics!
“We are pleased with the podium finish, as it proves once more that OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM delivers results and serves at the best possible way , its sponsors, now GARMIN, a strong international player, leader in the technology sector of world economy” concludes Pericles Livas, co-owner and driver of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM.
ATHENS, GREECE, Friday 17 July 2009 18:15
46th AEGEAN RALLY LEG ONE GETS UNDERWAY
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN managed a perfect start in leg 1 from FALIRON to SYROS in the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. Well almost, since some seconds later OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM was called back for starting early, and had to find its way back to the starting line to restart properly.
“You could sence the tense aboard at the start. Waiting for the big race the last few days, the forecast of heavy winds and waves once out in the Aegean Archipelagos and the Press helicopters flying over our heads made for an explosive cocktail for our minds. We planned for a pin-end start and executed it finely. As it proved, too fine for the race Committee and we had to turn the boat back when all other boats were shooting for the first windward mark. Being the fastest boat of the 48 strong fleet did help us out of the mess and we were 3rd on the first buoy, tight with the front runners at the second mark and just ahead at the third mark, free to shoot for the beautiful island of Syros,” comments Vaggelis Karas an old and valuable member of the team.
Unfortunately the weather predictions did not materialize and light winds dominated the leg (ie. No waves, No surfing) so we finished at dawn at 05:45, after almost 14 hours. We were not able to see any other boat since Kithnos island which was a turning point for the leg to Syros. We feel we did a good race with few errors and should score well in handicap. Going to bed now for some rest.
KARLOVASI, SAMOS ISLAND, GREECE, Thursday 23 July 2009 19:30
ANOTHER SOLID RESULT ON LEG 3
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN put in a strong fight with force 7 winds upwind, and scored 3rd place Overall and 2nd in class 1, in IRC division in Leg 3 from LEROS to SAMOS of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. This strong result allowed OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM to keep leading the result table of the AEGEAN RALLY.
“As expected, it was mainly sailing upwind or close-reaching in winds up to 30-32 knots. We had some breakages in ropes and blocks but we managed to keep going strong without loosing significant time. What cost us probably another clear win was a tactical error approaching the finishing line in Samos. However, we picked it rather early and turned back knowing we were going to loose a few places but decided to do so instead of loosing 10 places! In the end, it turned out we lost only 2 places and were more than happy with the result. Of course, turning back and sailing away from the finishing line to avoid a “hole” of no wind is a hard call, but a similar situation a few years ago in Amorgos island (we were stuck for 4 hours) is an experience that has become a nightmare we don’t want to go through ever again” states Pericles Livas helmsman and co-owner of the team.
The battle for top spot of the podium heats up as always in the AEGEAN RALLY, and Leg 4 might clear up the picture. OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN leads the table on 7 points, A35 follows on 8 points and ACES 3rd on 9 points. Winds of force 7 are forecasted, which suit us well but there is an optimum balance you must keep perfectly between how hard you push your people and equipment and the risk of breakages or injuries. Judge it wrong and you are history. Need to put some more work on the boat for Friday’s Leg 4 start from SAMOS to SOUNIO. Fingers crossed!
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Tuesday 21 July 2009 17:20
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN WINS LEG 2 OF AEGEAN RALLY!
Pushing hard in force 8 winds paid of handsomely! OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN won 1st place Overall and 1st in class 1, in IRC division in Leg 2 from SYROS to LEROS of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. This perfect result also moved OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM in 1st place Overall after the completion of 2 out of the 6 races that will crown the winner of this year’s edition of the AEGEAN RALLY.
“My arms are soared, my face is sunburned, my mouth is still salty but I would go out there at once with this team without second thought. It was so much fun riding down hundreds of serious waves to get to Leros, feeling totally in control, alongside a team that was pushing hard in heavy weather conditions. And that atmosphere on board has taken years and thousands of racing miles to create, but once you have it, it is serious fun that you can’t wait for more”, says Gerry Petratos, grinder and all purpose trimmer of the team.
The crew spent the day checking, servicing and maintaining OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN and will be available to get another trophy for its top podium position in tonight’s prize giving ceremony for Leg 2. After that, a good night sleep is mandatory to get everyone back in full power for the start of leg 3 from LEROS to SAMOS tomorrow at 10:00. The weather prediction is for force 6 Beaufort, and the route will be mostly upwind, meaning this time we will have to climb up hundreds of waves and sort out the navigation and tactical puzzle of passing the narrow channel between Samos and the coast of Turkey. So be it!
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Monday 20 July 2009 21:45
AEGEAN ARCHIPELAGOS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME!
Picture this: Sunshine, perfect blue skies, deep blue sea, temperatures up to 36 degrees. If you are a sailor competing at the 46th AEGEAN RALLY Leg 2 from SYROS to LEROS and you add the presence of the famous “meltemi” winds at full glory, blowing between 6 to 8 Beaufort, then you are definitely set up for what is called worldwide: Champagne t-shirt sailing conditions! And that is what we enjoyed for 7 hours and 6 minutes that took us to cover the 92 miles to Leros island.
“It was a racing sailor’s dream. Especially for us, the 15-strong, men only, crew on board OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN, the fastest boat in the fleet. Broad reaching in angles between 115 to 145, on amazing surfing waves, at speeds over 20 knots on shorts and t-shirts was testing but so rewarding. We were so wet from the fire hose conditions and so happily smiling all along the way. At the start, we were conservative and put in a reef and a Jib Top, since the wind was up to 35 knots. An hour later that the angle eased and we have settled on a nice rhythm of steering the waves and trimming the sails, we went for full mainsail, and although the wind went up to 40 knots and the handheld GARMIN recorded 25.4 knots top speed, we had no control problems, just more water over the deck and everywhere. Two and a half hours later the angle eased more and the wind dropped to 25-30 knot bracket and we hoisted the A3 masthead spinnaker to keep our adrenaline running and make sure we get another podium result for the race. Unforgettable…” admits Nick Lazos co-owner and tactician / navigator of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM.
“As an ideal strong grinder of 135 kilos, I get upset hearing stories from windsurfers, dinghy sailors, etc. about surfing-down-the-wave stories. Now, after today, I have my own story. I was controlling the pace of the surfing of a 52-footer through my grinding pedestal for hours. Going endlessly from 16 to 21+ knots is SURFING!” declares John Rallis, the “big guy” of OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN.
As expected, OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN was the first boat in Leros but now has to wait the other boats to finish, handicap to be applied and results to be posted. However, we think we gave a strong and fearless fight out there and we are looking for the reward.
LEROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Monday 20 July 2009 17:15
OPTIMUM3 - GARMIN LINE HONOURS AT LEROS
Smoking across the Aegean Sea from Syros to Leros Optimum3 has added one more line honours into the collection, 10 miles ahead of the second fastet boat in a fleat of 46! Well done boys!
SYROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Sunday 19 July 2009 23:15
READY TO GO ON LEG 2: SYROS – LEROS
The 15 crew members of OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN concluded all the Job List of checking and repairing / maintaining the yacht’s systems, taking good rest alongside, in order to be 100% ready for battle in tomorrow’s start for the 2nd Leg from SYROS to LEROS of 98 miles of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY.
“We have to deal with a thoroughbred racing yacht that is built exclusively from carbon like the yachts that compete in the America’s Cup or the Volvo Ocean Race. That means that a certain set of procedures have to be followed after every race the boat completes and before the start of the next. These include various checklists on boat systems and structures, sails and rig components to make sure that there is no failure or damage. The forecast for tomorrow calls for winds up to force 6 in Beaufort scale, and we take no chance to have any damage that can cost us positions at the results table or worse to have to abandon racing. The only way to avoid such a situation is to do your homework with discipline”, explains Costis Afentakis, the mastman of the team, after he concluded the mast check that towers 26 meters above sea level!
Tonight, Sunday at 21:00, the prizegiving ceremony for the winners of Leg 1, Faliron – Syros will take place. OVER.
SYROS ISLAND, AEGEAN SEA, Saturday 18 July 2009 14:20
PODIUM FINISH FOR OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN!
It feels nice to wake up and get the good news. OPTIMUM 3 - GARMIN managed 3rd place overall and 1st place in class 1 in IRC for the first leg of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY from FALIRON to SYROS. It is a good start to a long 10-day regatta and forms a good basis for a final solid result.
“Going flat out for 14 hours, 9 of them in complete darkness, without any sleep is very testing. Especially when you lead the fleet in light winds and the boats behind get to see where you ran out of wind and take avoiding action and get back close to you again and again. It is nerve breaking. Add to that continuous changes from Jib to JibTop to Spinnaker again and again, and is exhausting too But we ended up well, beaten up in handicap at the Overall standings only by two 35-footers with strong teams from class 2, that finished in real time more than 2,5 hours behind. There is a short Job List to be worked out and nice beaches, bars and restaurants to relax ourselves the next day or so” says Alexis Marougas, our star bowman racing always with shaved head for better aerodynamics!
“We are pleased with the podium finish, as it proves once more that OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM delivers results and serves at the best possible way , its sponsors, now GARMIN, a strong international player, leader in the technology sector of world economy” concludes Pericles Livas, co-owner and driver of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM.
ATHENS, GREECE, Friday 17 July 2009 18:15
46th AEGEAN RALLY LEG ONE GETS UNDERWAY
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN managed a perfect start in leg 1 from FALIRON to SYROS in the 46th AEGEAN RALLY. Well almost, since some seconds later OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM was called back for starting early, and had to find its way back to the starting line to restart properly.
“You could sence the tense aboard at the start. Waiting for the big race the last few days, the forecast of heavy winds and waves once out in the Aegean Archipelagos and the Press helicopters flying over our heads made for an explosive cocktail for our minds. We planned for a pin-end start and executed it finely. As it proved, too fine for the race Committee and we had to turn the boat back when all other boats were shooting for the first windward mark. Being the fastest boat of the 48 strong fleet did help us out of the mess and we were 3rd on the first buoy, tight with the front runners at the second mark and just ahead at the third mark, free to shoot for the beautiful island of Syros,” comments Vaggelis Karas an old and valuable member of the team.
Unfortunately the weather predictions did not materialize and light winds dominated the leg (ie. No waves, No surfing) so we finished at dawn at 05:45, after almost 14 hours. We were not able to see any other boat since Kithnos island which was a turning point for the leg to Syros. We feel we did a good race with few errors and should score well in handicap. Going to bed now for some rest.
ATHENS, GREECE, Thursday 16 July 2009 10:30
(WHY) We’re EXCITED!
A day before the start of the 46th Aegean Rally and all seems to be in place. This is the 15th consecutive that OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM competes in one of the oldest regattas in the Mediterranean. Very few teams have such a record, the reason being that the Aegean Rally is a demanding race for participants because it stopovers in three Aegean islands (different (sic) every year!) covering a distance of about 400 miles on a tight schedule and include two windward/leeward buoy courses, all amounting for a lot of forward planning and preparation.
The skipper meeting was long and informative as always, but most importantly we had the chance to weigh in the opposition. So, this year too, OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN remains the fastest boat in a fleet of 48 yachts. As such, we need to pass first all 6 finishing lines to stand a chance on corrected time after handicap is applied. ATTICA a DK46, ACES a FARR 45 OD and 2 POGO Class 40s will be hot in our heels and a dozen of 35 to 40 footers that are strong on handicap.
The boat sits calmly on its mooring, fully prepared, waiting only for the crew and its food and water. Remember, OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN is an all racing team, and until we get the latest forecast, we bring in only the minimum water and food for the forecasted time we will spend at sea. Except the famous spicy chicken!
So, less than 20 hours to the start and we’re excited just by starring OPTIMUM fully branded on GARMIN colors!
Εχουμε λοιπόν λιγότερο από 20 ώρες μέχρι την εκκίνηση, και ενθουσιαζόμαστε μόνο κοιτώντας από τον μόλο το OPTIMUM 3 πλήρως «ντυμένο» με τα χρώματα του χορηγού της ομάδος, GARMIN!
Hey, write down too; tomorrow we leave everything behind us for 10 days!
ATHENS, Wednesday 15 July 2009 21:00
IT FEELS NICE TO BE SAILING AGAIN! (15/7/2009)
At late afternoon on Tuesday 14/7, the large telescopic crane that works with OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM, lifted OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN from her cradle and with perfectly executed maneuvers let her softly to the sea, at her mooring in the inner harbor of Yacht Club Kalamaki, in Alimos Marina.
Next day, on Wednesday 15th, the program was calling for a short training session, in order to check all the yachts systems and equipment, since OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN is dry-sailed and was off water the last 15 days.
“A nice 12 knot see-breeze placed all 15 crew at the rail in order to attain full boat speed going upwind, and pressed the yacht’s systems close to maximum. We recorded a a few issues which we added to the Job List that has to be blank by the starting gun of the rally on Friday 17/7. Additionally, we reefed the mainsail 3 times, to make sure that the crew “has” the drill with no compromise, since we believe that the famous “meltemi” winds will blow along this Aegean Rally too. The ability to comfortably execute the reefing drill is of paramount importance for the wear and tear of equipment and people on board. The loads and risks are high.
I also feel to report for the mood onboard which was full of smiling and jokes, since all 15 crew are counting down the days and hours to start surfing in high speed the Aegean waves on t-shirt sailing conditions”, declares Kostas Makridis, spinnaker trimmer and responsible for all technical matters.
ATHENS, Monday 13 July 2009 16:15
OPTIMUM 3 – GARMIN takes shape!
Frenzy preparations of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM members in order to conclude the branding of OPTIMUM 3 in time for the start of the 46th AEGEAN RALLY which is sponsored by MERCEDES-BENZ and starts on 17/7/2009.
“Four hours on a high skalosia placing expensive and sensitive stickers, is definitely not my area of expertise, since I am the mainsail trimmer of the team. However, I enjoyed it because as a member of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM I learned that you don’t build the team spirit during racing or training with the boat but working and preparing the boat and equipment alongside the other team members. So when you get to race or train, the team spirit is already present, and due to that sailing gives you OPTIMUM satisfaction!” declares smiling Lambros Nakis.
ATHENS, Monday 13 July 2009 16:15
GARMIN – OUR NEW JUBILANT SPONSOR
Optimum Yacht Racing Team merrily welcomes GARMIN as the team’s official sponsor for 2009. Garmin is a top notch name for electronics world-wide, known for the GPS equipment they provide for every use. Innovation has no borders for GARMIN and nowadays GARMIN offers a huge range of electronics that anyone can witness by visiting the company’s website at www.garmin.com.
The first race to proudly wear the name and the colors of GARMIN is the top Greek offshore sailing event in Greece, the 46th Aegean Rally. OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM will race for the 15th time this year in this magnificent and at the same time, tough race, aiming always the top position on 17-26/7/2009!
The owners Nikos Lazos and Pericles Livas, state with clear satisfaction the following: “ Having GARMIN as our sponsors came at the right time, as the team has successfully followed its preparation schedule and finished in podium position in all three races we competed during 2009! GARMIN’s decision to sponsor us and support us financially is rewarding as it recognizes the high degree we maintain from year to year.
Last year OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM came 5th in the Overall Standings and 1st in the Corinthian Standings at the ORCi World Championship and the results of this year so far prove the team is hungry for more glory and silverware!”
ATHENS, GREECE 22 June 2009
… AND THE WINNER IS OPTIMUM 3!
In the 7th Archipelagos Regatta organized by the Yacht Club of Greece that took place on 19-21/6/2009, the boat Optimum 3 of the Kalamaki Y.C. got the 1st position in the IRC class.
Winning this race of 156 miles, was an 18-hour continuous battle for OPTIMUM 3 and her 15 crew members, owned and skippered by Pericles Livas and Nikos Lazos.
The owners of Optimum 3 stated enthusiastically the following: “Long races match better with our teams’ layout. They demand good preparation, team bonding and duration of good performance. The OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM has a great record of victories in long races even in International level such as the windy 2004 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE. So, winning the 7th Aegean Archipelagos Regatta does not come as a surprise for us! We made a good start that propelled us ahead from the rest of the fleet, and we managed to keep that forefront, straight for 18 hours till we finished the race irrefutably first! We’re very pleased that among all three races in 2009 we’ve taken the 2nd, 3rd and 1st position, all at the winner’s podium. Our next meeting with our opponents is on the tough and unpredictable 46th International Aegean Rally, the top Greek Offshore Sailing Event during the 17-26/7/2009”.
ATHENS, 8 June 2009
OPTIMUM 3 ONCE AGAIN IN THE WINNER’S PODIUM!
OPTIMUM 3 of Kalamaki Y.C. got the 3rd place in the IRC class, competing successfully on 5-8/6/2009 at the very competitive 17th Sailing Week organized by the Yacht Club of Greece.
In the rankings, during the 6 races that took place, they got 5,2,8,2,7,3. The OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM, owned and skippered by Pericles Livas and Nikos Lazos, raced daily trying to balance among skilful competitors.
The owners pleased with the final result stated the following: “This was one more energetic form of our team, with a bit of lack of co-ordination, minor problems in general during the starts of the races and steady boat speed in the prevailing light air conditions. However, we’re in good shape and ready to race for the top position in the 7th Aegean Archipelagos Regatta, which is up next and is also a long race in both miles and duration. The ups and downs in the results during the races created some stress we didn’t get to handle the right way. We clearly realized that the other teams who are many and competent would take advantage of any mistake we do, so we need to concentrate more in order to avoid mistakes!”
ATHENS, 1 June 2009
PODIUM POSITION FOR THE START OF THE SEASON!
The Farr 52 OPTIMUM 3, of Kalamaki Yacht Club, raced the 15th Spring Series organized by Voula Yacht Club between 23/5 and 31/6, and successfully got the 2nd position in the IRC class.
In the rankings, during the 7 races that took place, they got 1,3,2,1,1,8,8. The OPTIMUM 3 team with her 15 amateur sailors, owned and skippered by Pericles Livas and Nikos Lazos, tried to win the Spring Series once again, since the last two years they already defended the winners title.
The owners stated the following “We’re very satisfied with the position we got, as it clearly states the excellent racing shape of our team this new season too. Our winning is granted to our vigorous crew and their passionate effort and hard work they put on maintaining and upgrading the fastest racing boat in Greece! Counting on the good spirit among the crew of OPTIMUM YACHT RACING TEAM we anticipate being a smash hit once again this season!”
