The 4th Spetses Classic Yacht Race (SCYR) took place in Spetses island, in the Argosaronic Gulf, from 19th to 22nd June 2014. It was organized by the Yacht Club of Greece and the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Spetses, which celebrates its centenary year, as the Hospitality Organizer.
This year’s race had a record number of participants, making it the biggest Classic Yacht Race in Greece. Seventy-two vessels in total took part in the races in four categories: Classic Boats – with three subcategories depending on the construction date: Vintage ( – 1947),Classic (1948 – 1974), Spirit of Tradition (1976 – ), Traditional Caiques, Lateens and, for the first time, the Dragon category. Spectators had the chance to get to know each vessel with this year’s collectors’ edition catalogue, provided by the Organizing Committee.
Nontas Labadarios, President of the SCYR Organising Committee and Vice-President of the Yacht Club of Greece , said: “As we expected, this year’s event was very successful, something guaranteed by the Yacht Club’s years of experience and human resources. SCYR has been established as the greatest Classic Yacht Race in Greece and one of the most important in the Mediterranean.” The events started on Thursday with the Skipper’s Meeting, at Bouboulina’s Museum. The mansion of the legendary Greek heroine gave a distinct… Spetsiot ‘twist’ to the meeting. The organizers welcomed the participants at the welcome reception, where drinks and cocktails specially made for this race were served. Friday was the first day of the sailing races. The Awards Ceremony took place at Adore Brachera Bar in the Old Harbour, where the participants enjoyed once again refreshing cocktails. Saturday opened with the Parade of Spetses Caiques.
In addition, this year’s race was enriched with a wide range of other events. Olympic Champion Sofia Bekatorou gave out autographs and spent time with spectators and participants. Saturday’s Award Ceremony took place at the recently renovated boathouse of the Spetses Yacht Club and was followed by a Souvlaki Party on the beach with a surprise appearance by the “Captain Karagiozis” shadow puppet theatre. The final races took place on Sunday, with the day’s Awards Ceremony taking place at the Poseidonion Square, where another cocktail party for the participants took place at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. This year, the award for life achievement was given to Manolis Psarros for his and his family’s extensive contribution to the evolution, dissemination and conservation of the traditional art of wooden shipbuilding.
For the 3rd year running, the Spetses Classic Yacht Race was reinforced with the cross category award “Spirit of Chivalry –Chivas Honour Award – Spetses Classic Yacht Race 2014,” which honors the values of team spirit, fair play and authenticity. For 2014, this unique award, much-anticipated by the crews, was awarded by the race’s Gold Sponsor CHIVAS REGAL to the crew of the SAVANNAH, one of the most famous classic boats worldwide, that participated in a race on Greek waters for the first time. Christophe Lemarie, CEO of Pernord Ricard Hellas stated “The success of the Spetses Classic Yacht Race with CHIVAS REGAL as the Golden Sponsor has made us proud for the fourth year in a row, since it highlights team spirit, authenticity, culture and fair play in the best possible way, the values CHIVAS REGAL represents.”
Antonis Vordonis, CEO of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which is celebrating its centenary year, presented the Poseidonion Concours D’ Elegance award to the best preserved caique, lateen and classic boat and stated: “The Poseidonion Grand Hotel, celebrating its centenary year and being an integral part of the Spetses Classic Yacht Race, is establishing the Concours D’Elegance award to honor the best preserved and most authentic vessel in the categories of classic, traditional and open boats. This award highlights the traditional art, history and aesthetics, which are values interwoven with its philosophy.” The vessels honored were Carina from the category of classic boats, Faneromeni from the traditional boats and the Lateen Isabella M. from the island of Syros in the lateens. Sponsor of the SCYR 2014 was the Swiss private banking group Julius Baer, which specializes in consulting services, while at the same time is a premium brand name in management. Based in Zurich, Julius Baer has offices in more than 25 countries and 50 areas including: Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Lugano, Monaco, Montevideo, Moscow, Singapore and Tokyo.
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