Expert Offshore Regatta

Aegean 600 Regatta Expert Sailing Course advertisement. A stylized illustration of the Aegean 600 regatta, featuring sailboats racing past the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

Prepare for the "perfect race." Starting beneath the ancient Temple of Poseidon, the Aegean 600 is a non-stop tour through the cradle of western civilization. We battle the famous Meltemi winds, navigating a slalom course through the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. From the caldera of Santorini to the straits of Rhodes, this is a fast, tactical, and visually stunning offshore challenge that demands total focus and teamwork.

Building on Success: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025

With a history of success in demanding conditions, Veruda Sailing School proved its expertise again in 2025 by completing the grueling 2,300 NM Pula-Malta-Pula offshore course and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Our fully booked crew of five transformed from students into a racing team, conquering the 606-mile "most beautiful race in the world" and finishing strong. See for yourself what our 2025 alumni had to say about their journey.

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 Crew in Action
"I had a fantastic time doing the Middle Sea Race with Robert, his attention to detail while sailing and knowing how to get the most out of his boat was great to work with!

Lovely vibe onboard, I'd happily come back for a delivery or another race!"

— Tom Moody, UK
"I completed the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race with S/Y Buri and Robert as skipper. It was a fantastic experience!

Robert is great to sail with — calm and confident on the helm, but also fun and easygoing when off watch. He’s an excellent sailor and always happy to share his knowledge and experience with the crew. I'd definitely sail with him again!"

— Christoforos Chatzikomis, Greece

Aegean 600

Sailboats racing in the Aegean 600 regatta on deep blue waters, passing below the whitewashed village and Venetian castle of Astypalaia perched on a rocky hilltop. The Aegean 600 is unique because it was designed by sailors, for sailors to test seamanship against the famous Meltemi – a strong, dry northerly wind that rules the Aegean in July. The 606 NM course weaves through the islands, offering a mix of "champagne sailing" downwind legs and grueling upwind battles that demand rig reliability and tactical brilliance.

  • The Start: We cross the line under the cliffs of Cape Sounio, overlooked by the 2,500-year-old Temple of Poseidon. It is tradition for sailors to salute the God of the Sea here.
  • The Slalom: We head south towards Milos, passing the Cyclades.
  • The Highlight: A breathtaking passage into the Caldera of Santorini, sailing past the active volcano and white-washed villages on the cliffs.
  • The Long Haul: We push east to Kassos and Karpathos, then turn north at Rhodes, often beating into the Meltemi towards Kos and Kalymnos.
  • The Finish: A technical weave through the narrow straits of Mykonos and Kea before returning to Sounio.

High-angle photograph of the Temple of Poseidon ruins at Cape Sounion, displaying ancient white Doric columns atop a rocky promontory overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea.Strategically located at Olympic Marine in Lavrio, our base offers more than just excellent technical facilities for race preparation. While we conduct safety drills and provision the boat during the pre-race days (July 2-5), you will be immersed in the cradle of ancient history. Just minutes away, you can explore the oldest theater in existence at Thorikos and the ancient silver mines that funded the Athenian Golden Age. A short taxi ride leads to the Temple of Poseidon – where Lord Byron famously carved his name—offering the perfect vantage point for a legendary sunset before we cross the starting line beneath these very cliffs.

Sound like your kind of challenge?

Only a few crew places left. Once they're filled, they're filled.

What to Expect:

Prerequisites:

The Race Course

606 nautical miles through the heart of the Aegean Sea.

Route details on official race site.

The Aegean 600 race course map

Event Summary

  • Check-in: Sounio, ... (afternoon)
  • Check-out: Sounio, ...
  • Duration: ... days *
  • Places Total: ...
  • Places Available: ...
Cost Per Person
... € **
Book Now
What's Included
  • Regatta entry fees
  • Boat & equipment
  • Fuel & mooring
  • All standard expenses
  • 11 days of coaching
  • Championship experience
What You Bring
  • Life vest with harness
  • PLB (personal locator beacon)
  • Personal sailing gear
  • Travel to/from Sounio
  • Travel insurance (rec.)
  • Commitment & team spirit
* The duration depends on regatta organizing committee decisions and weather conditions, and does not influence the course cost.
** No hidden costs! Price covers regatta entry fees and all standard expenses described under Terms and Conditions. Does not cover required personal offshore equipment (life vest with harness, PLB, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What boat will we race on?

We compete on Buri, an Elan 333. She completed the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race and is fully equipped for offshore racing and championship competition.

What does the price cover?

Everything you need to race: regatta entry fees, boat costs, fuel, mooring, and all standard expenses. The only extras are personal safety equipment (life vest with harness, PLB), your travel to Sounio, and your food and drinks.

How demanding is the Aegean 600?

This is an Expert-level event. The 606 NM course is sailed non-stop, often in Meltemi winds of 25-35 knots. You need advanced offshore experience, physical fitness, and the ability to handle sleep deprivation over multiple days.

What happens during the pre-race days?

We have 3 days (July 2-5) based at Olympic Marine in Lavrio for safety drills, provisioning, boat preparation, and crew briefings. There's also time to explore the nearby Temple of Poseidon and ancient sites at Thorikos.

What gear do I need to bring?

Full offshore sailing gear (foul weather gear, sailing boots), essential safety equipment (life vest with harness and a personal locator beacon/PLB). A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Can I combine this with the transfer passages?

Yes! We offer The Argonaut Offshore Crossing (Pula → Sounio, starting June 21st) and The Odyssey Return (Cefalonia → Trogir, starting July 26th) for those who want the complete expedition.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellation terms are in our Terms and Conditions. We recommend travel insurance that covers event cancellation.

Want More Than a Regatta?

Veruda Sailing School doesn't just offer participation in the race. We have prepared a comprehensive program for those who wish to make the most of this adventure

The Argonaut Offshore Crossing route mapThe Argonaut Offshore Crossing
For those seeking an expert offshore experience before the race itself, we offer a 7-9 day expedition from Pula to Sounio (starting June 21st). This is a hands-on masterclass in long-distance passage making.

Retracing the ancient connection between Pula (founded by the Colchians) and Greece, you will descend the full length of the Adriatic and cross the Ionian Sea to arrive at the Temple of Poseidon.


The Odyssey Return route mapThe Odyssey Return
In this 10 day passage (starting July 26th) we trace the path of ancient mariners, stopping at key historical sites that define the connection between Greece and the Adriatic, from the Venetian fortresses of Corfu to the ancient Greek colonies of Epidaurus, Pharos, and Tragurion.