About & History
A race for every sailor
The Southern Ionian Regatta was created back in 1979 when some lead crews from a few flotilla companies operating in the area decided to have an end of season race and party. It was always on a Thursday as there were no changeovers on that day. Back then it was a fun bun fight with enthusiastic lead crews arming themselves with anything from tomatoes to eggs! These days the regatta has evolved into a great day of sailing with staff, their guests often, charter boats, private boats and live aboards all joining in the fun. The bun fights are diminished though not gone so raising a white flag to signal that you don't want to be involved is advised.
The regatta and lately the rally is organised and run entirely by volunteers who give their time freely so that we can all have a good time. Many of our race officials, a very experienced bunch even fly over to Greece from far away at their own expense to enable us all to have fun. Over the years any proceeds have been donated to many worthy, local charities notable, Faros, LAWS, Animal Care Lefkas and Little friends.
The regatta was relaunched in 2020 and this year will feature a feeder race on the Tuesday followed by the main event on the Wednesday, all capped off with the famous party in the tiny village of Syvota, we hope to see you there.
Read on for a 2015 article Rod Heikell wrote for Sailing Today with more on the history of the event and the changes it has had over the year.
“On the third Thursday in September the Ionian Regatta takes place in the Southern Ionian in Greece. It started in 1979 when a group of skippers got together and organised a race from the Meganisi Channel around Arkoudi Island and up to the finish line off Sivota on Lefkas. It was intended to be a simple fun race with simple rules and a simple rating system and remains so. If yachts collide then they are both disqualified which keeps both private owners and charter fleet operators happy.
The race is roughly divided into two classes with the smaller Class II boats starting first. With up to 150 boats starting and tacking down the Meganisi Channel in the light headwinds that normally blow there is a lot of tacking to do and a lot of people shouting ‘starboard’ and much waving of hands. The spectacle is wonderful with the whole Meganisi Channel full of white sails as everyone tries to break free for the haul down to the bottom of Arkoudi Island.
It is a great day out. At the end of the race everyone grumbles about the handicap system and then has a blinder of a party in Sivota. When we are in the Ionian in September we always make a point of racing. Oh yeah, only the team prize this year.
Before the Regatta there is the Ionian Rally racing for three days around the islands which is also great fun and even better parties in the evenings.”
Rod Heikell
