TEAM EXLence, with the 1952 built classic 5.5mIC LIZZA, thrived at this years’ SCYR. Skippered by Stavros Papagiannopoulos and with Rio Olympics bronze medalist, Takis Mantis, on the tactics and Yannis Mitakis trimming the sails, the team started the regatta with a 2nd place behind S/Y Cassiopeia, by 2’21” on a 4 hours long race. On the second day of racing however, we bounced back with a bullet, leaving behind the runner up, 8mIC S/Y Flamingo by 5’10” on a 1 hour 30’ race, thus winning first place overall on the SCYR 2023.
“One needs to be very careful when racing these classic boats on heavy winds and high seas. Although we started off day one with very light winds, the wind picked up after we were one third into the race and the seas became very confused. We managed to navigate through not only without damages on the boat but also being placed relatively well against our main competitors. On day two the weather was much kinder to the boat, giving us the opportunity to push harder, securing a very comfortable bullet.” said Stavros.
Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta 2023 ©Nikos Alevromytis