08:00, Saturday, 19th July 2025, Alimos Marina, N.C.Kalamaki, Greece.
The second oldest yacht race in the Mediterranean, the Aegean Rally,
is on, and Team OPTIMUM is hitting the line with OPTIMUM 4, the pocket
rocket Dehler 30 One Design of OPTIMUM Sailing Academy.
This marks Team OPTIMUM’s 30th appearance in the Aegean Rally since
1994, a race that has defined the team. With a legendary record of 24
podium finishes—12 firsts, 7 seconds, and 5 thirds—the bar is set
high. This year, a youth squad—all 21 and under—coached by Team
Optimum co-founder Periklis Livas, aims to write the next chapter of
this success story.
“I’ve known Nikos and Vasilis since my OPTIMIST years at Nautical
Club Kalamaki,” says Achilleas Gkikas (19), the team’s mainsail
trimmer. “When Vasilis invited me to race the 62nd Aegean Rally on
OPTIMUM 4, I was thrilled. I’ve always watched Team OPTIMUM train and
race, so the chance to be coached by his father, Periklis, for my
first offshore race was something I couldn’t miss. I dropped my
vacation plans, and here I am.”
Co-skippering the boat are Nikos Stavropoulos (21) and Vasilis Livas
(21), both seasoned sailors from their three years with the OPTIMUM
Sailing Academy. They have logged extensive racing miles in major
offshore events, including the Aegean 600 and the Rolex Middle Sea
Race. The crew is rounded out by Leonidas Sechou (18) and Nikos
Ktistakis (20), with rally veteran Periklis Livas (60) coaching the
team through what will be his 36th Aegean Rally.
The first leg is a 102-nautical-mile journey from Faliro to Syros,
guaranteeing a full night of classic Aegean racing.
Stay Tuned!!!
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