Photo credit: Nikos Alevomytis AleN Photography
20:00, Monday 8th May 2023, Alimos, Greece.
Team OPTIMUM-Samos Steamship returned back in action for the 2023 season onboard OPTIMUM S competing in the 13th Athens Trophy over the weekend. After a long 9-month period on the boatyard, Optimum S is updated, improved and serviced in all areas such us hull preparation, mast & rigging, sails, and electronics in order to provide the platform for a notable 30th Team OPTIMUM season. Athens Trophy is a Windward/Leeward around the cans event and the H.O.R.C. Race Committee managed to complete 3 races, one on Saturday in 20-30 knots of wind and two more on Sunday in light-medium conditions. Although Team OPTIMUM members have been racing since March on board the Dehler 30ods OPTIMUM 4 & LAVORO III, the Carkeek 47 OPTIMUM S requires full commitment of time and effort. As such OPTIMUM S scorecard read 2,5,3 over the weekend and team members evaluated in depth the performance and laid the plan to peak mid-season during the Aegean 600. Amazing boats and teams from all over the world have entered the 3rd edition of the Aegean 600 and Team OPTIMUM-Samos Steamship aims to repeat the success achieved in the 1st edition in 2021.
“OPTIMUM S is a beast with huge performance potential that we work hard to deploy and maintain. We clocked up to 22 knots boatspeed pointing to the leeward mark on the W/L 1,4-mile course in full adrenalin dose. It is a continuous and rewarding challenge for all of us to race OPTIMUM S to her limit and avoid breakages and downtime. All the guys have put a lot of work and effort before and after the launch in late April and enjoyed this first weekend to the max. Bring it on!”, says crew boss and pitman Nikos Apostolakis, a Team OPTIMUM member for over 15 years.
Our patron Samos Steamship has been hugely supportive and encouraging over the long off period and is delighted for our return in action. Team OPTIMUM members enjoyed wearing the new HELLY HANSEN sailing gear provided by our apparel sponsor and trimming the new mainsail and Jib No.4 made by QUANTUM Sails Greece loft, a Team OPTIMUM supporter since 2012. Team members on board for the weekend were: Fanis Dalezios, Giannis Kapos, Nikos Apostolakis, Kostas Makridis, Manolis Markogiannakis, Nikos Kountouriotis, Nikolas Stavropoulos, Vaggelis Nikolopoulos, Mily Tirla, Apostolos Serraos, Periklis Livas, Nikos Lazos and Charis Mavrogeorgis.
Let the season roll….