The 63rd Aegean Rally, organised by the Panhellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH), concluded with the prize-giving ceremony for the winners and recipients of honorary distinctions, held at the ever-hospitable Aegean Naval Command in Piraeus. The champions of this historic event were honoured in front of the Monument of Themistocles, as sailors renewed their appointment with the Aegean Sea for the 64th edition of the Rally.

In his address, POIATH President Mr Ioannis Maragkoudakis welcomed the crews and guests, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the 63rd Aegean Rally, and honoured them for their longstanding contribution to the success of the event. He also praised, once again, the invaluable and continuous support of the Hellenic Navy to this historic race. As a token of appreciation for this enduring contribution, he presented a commemorative plaque to the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios Eleftherios Kataras.

"The Hellenic Navy will continue to support, by every possible means, initiatives that promote sailing, cultivate maritime education, and pass on to younger generations the timeless values of the sea, fair competition, and service to our country. The sea has always been, and remains, Greece's greatest strength. It is the element that shaped our history, forged the character of the Greek people, and continues to unite us. Let us all continue to safeguard this remarkable heritage," the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff stated during his speech.

Also attending the prize-giving ceremony were Mr Panos Xenokostas, Chairman of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, which has been the Title Sponsor of the Aegean Rally for the third consecutive year, and Mr Konstantinos Koronakis, Member of the Board of Directors of POIATH and a long-standing sponsor of the race.

The spotlight fell on the top three crews in the Performance Class: Pega – Hellenic Naval Academy, Metatron II, and Areti. In the Sports Class, honours went to Trinity, Water Gipsy, and Garbis – Hellenic Navy Petty Officers Academy. The Line Honours trophy was awarded to Bana Bioletta 4, which completed the overall course of the 63rd Aegean Rally in the fastest elapsed time.

Shortly before the official conclusion of the 63rd Aegean Rally and the prize-giving ceremony, POIATH President Mr Maragkoudakis conveyed a message from 96-year-old Stelios Bonas, the "dean" of Greek offshore sailing and the record holder for the highest number of participations in the Aegean Rally. His message was met with warm applause, serving as a heartfelt tribute to one of the most iconic figures in Greek offshore sailing.

Sponsors and Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the 63rd Aegean Rally is ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, a leading force in the shipbuilding industry, defence, investments, and technology, promoting growth, excellence, and innovation across Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The race is sponsored by KORONAKIS, a global leader in the manufacture of ropes and wire ropes for the maritime industry.

Supporting the event are TECHNAVA, a company specialising in services for the oceangoing shipping industry, and JOTUN, a global leader in marine coatings.

The event's media sponsors are SKAI TV, the Official Broadcaster of the 63rd Aegean Rally, Kathimerini newspaper, and the magazines Istioploikos Kosmos, TheYachtBook, Athens Riviera Journal, Skipper on Deck, and Boats & Yachting.

Tracking technology for the competing yachts is provided by G4S Telematix, while INTERAD is responsible for the event's online support.