Antibes, France. Sunday, June 7th, 2015, 17:00.
OPTIMUM Yacht Racing Team was honored by being invited to participate in the 20th edition of “Les Voiles d’ Antibes” on board Savannah, a unique 90 ft Spirit of Tradition one-off yacht. Team Optimum was represented by no less than seven members including Nick Lykiardopoulos of AERA fame who inspires, promotes and supports most of our international campaigns. The regatta for classic yachts of various eras was a 4-day racing affair, Thursday through Sunday. Racing on Friday was cancelled as there was no wind for the whole day and we managed a scoreline of 2, 3, 4 that allowed us to grab the 2nd podium position.
“What an honor! We were not only invited to race on board Savannah in Les Voiles d’ Antibes but upon our arrival, we soon found out that the Optimum group from Greece would hold key positions for the duration of the regatta. Nick Lazos trimmed the mainsail, Alexis Chrysochoides the Genoa, Patroklos Tachtatzis the spinnaker, Andonis Drilias took care of the midbow, and Pericles Livas helmed on day one and was on the pit for the rest as our host Hugh Morisson joined on Thursday evening. I found myself as co-navigator with Nick Lykiardopoulo for days 1 & 2 and solo for days 3 & 4. More Optimum members had the opportunity to sail on Savannah’s winning performance in last year’s Spetses Classic Yacht Race and this year would be no different as Savannah returns to Spetses to defend her title. Actually, Savannah leaves tomorrow from Antibes bound for Spetses and the Optimum Team will be there to welcome her. Bon voyage”, wishes loyal long time Optimum crew member since 2004, Manos Roudas.
There are no words to describe the harmony in the curved lines from any angle you look at Savannah. Unrivaled, superb!!! Just google her or come to Spetses (18-21/6) to see her for yourself and prepare to drop dead. Of course, in Les Voiles d’ Antibes, we spent hours every day on the dock admiring unique craft, from wooden gaff rigged schooners from the 1800s, to aluminum 12 meters or IOR Whitbread Round the World racers. You may get a feel of what we are talking about by checking photos in our Optimum FB page or at the official regatta site. What an Optimum experience!