For a second straight year, gale-force currents posed a steep challenge for participants at the Andros International Yacht Race.
The event, which typically has a strong showing from shipowners, clocked up its 52nd edition this week.
Named after its founder and legendary owner John Goulandris, who hailed from the Aegean island, the race attracted several big-name shipping companies that sponsored crews or had staff directly participating.
They included firms such as Star Bulk Carriers, AM Nomikos, M/Maritime and Eurobulk as well as race sponsors New Shipping, Polembros Shipping and Eurobank.
Samos Steamship’s Optimum 3, with Pericles Livas as skipper, carried away victory in the general classification while Eurobank’s Velos won a part-race between Andros and the Dysvato Straits.
“It was an extremely challenging and fast race that didn’t forgive the slightest mistake,” Livas said.
The race, which took place over a span of four days through to 1 September, covers a distance of 72 miles from the Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni to Andros Island, cradle of several Greek shipping dynasties.
Co-organised by the Andros Yacht Club and the Yacht Club of Greece, the race's first edition took place in 1967. No less than Greece's then King Constantine and his brother-in-law Juan Carlos, Spain’s would-be King, took then part. Among their competitors were shipping legends Stavros Niarchos and Christina Onassis.
