A Howth Yacht Club crew will represent Ireland in the 2026 Aegean 600 when the international offshore race starts from Athens, Greece, on Sunday, 5 July.
Skipper Darren Wright leads Xcalibur Team HYC in the 605-nautical-mile race, which begins at 12 noon Irish time. The crew combines experienced offshore sailors with emerging talent from the Dublin club. Joining Wright are fellow Howth Yacht Club members Michael Wright, Jett Wright, Conor Fogarty, Aodhan Malone, Rocco Wright and Brian Turvey. They are joined by former Howth sailor Bill Heffernan, now based in Athens, navigator Tom Chaney, fresh from the Round Ireland Race, and Grace Murray.
Several members of the crew return after competing in last year's Aegean 600 aboard Team HYC Gazelle. Their experience of the demanding Aegean conditions is expected to prove valuable.
The team has chartered a new XR 41 from X-Yachts Greece for the campaign. The latest offshore design from X-Yachts has already established a reputation as a competitive performer on the international racing circuit.
A fleet of 76 boats is entered for this year's Aegean 600, organised by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club. The race starts and finishes beneath the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion before taking competitors on a demanding course through the Greek islands. Crews face tactical challenges from the Meltemi winds, high summer temperatures and complex coastal geography.
Ahead of the start, the Howth crew will complete training aboard the XR 41, concentrating on sail handling, manoeuvres, reefing and familiarisation with the boat.
The campaign continues a long tradition of Howth Yacht Club teams competing in major international offshore races. Members of the core crew have represented the club in events including the Fastnet Race, Round Ireland Race, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Middle Sea Race and Giraglia Race, while helping younger sailors gain offshore experience.
Supporters will be able to follow Xcalibur Team HYC throughout the race using the official Aegean 600 online tracker.
