Malta’s Artie III made a powerful return to the Aegean 600, overcoming what co-skipper Lee Satariano described as “one of the toughest offshore races right from the start.”
The seasoned team, led by Satariano and Christian Ripard, brought years of offshore sailing experience to the event – most notably their extensive Rolex Middle Sea Race backgrounds, with Satariano having competed in 16 editions and Ripard in 34, including victories in the 2011 and 2014 races.
Their combined expertise was instrumental in navigating the demanding conditions of the Aegean 600, reinforcing Artie III’s reputation as one of Malta’s premier offshore racing teams.
This year’s Aegean 600 proved especially challenging due to highly variable winds that ranged from intense 50-knot gusts to near-calm conditions, significantly slowing the fleet’s progress. The relentless sun added a further test of endurance, offering little respite for the crew, whether on deck or below.
Artie III began the race with a strong start from Cape Sounion, holding top positions through much of the course.
As the team advanced towards Rhodes and along the Turkish coast, fading winds caused a loss of momentum.
In past editions, the Meltemi winds often made Rhodes a notorious bottleneck, but this year, other islands became major stopping points, while the passage at Rhodes was smoother.
The leg to Mykonos proved particularly demanding, with the crew battling winds up to 50 knots before conditions eased to around 30 knots as they rounded the islands.
Reflecting on the race, co-skipper Satariano said: “As expected, this was a very tough race. The crew had to stay continuously focused to keep the boat moving in light winds, contend with extreme heat, and ensure everyone remained hydrated at all times.”
Artie III completed the race with an elapsed time of 4 days, 8 hours, 56 minutes, and 12 seconds, and a corrected time of 5 days, 9 hours, 42 minutes, and 6 seconds.
The team finished 10th overall in the IRC Class, 4th in IRC Class Two, and achieved a podium finish with 3rd place in ORC Class 1.
Satariano was delighted with the podium placing.
“It was nice to be on the podium again. The crew worked well together and the result is well deserved.”
He also extended his congratulations to the crew of Gozo Dream for successfully completing this demanding 600-mile race during their debut participation.
The Artie III crew for this edition included Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard, alongside Mathieu Almekinders, Simon De Gent, Koen de Smedt, Nicky Fenech, E.J. Van Housselt, Sam Pizzuto, and Jake Satariano. The team is grateful for the support of Jeep, Elmo Insurance, Manoel Island Yacht Yard, RLR Yachting, and Marina di Valletta.
The fifth edition of the AEGEAN 600 was organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club, with co-organizers Olympic Marine and the Region of Attica.
Artie III Demonstrates Grit and Teamwork at the 2025 Aegean 600
Takes 3rd Place in ORC Class 1
Malta’s Artie III made a powerful return to the Aegean 600, overcoming what co-skipper Lee Satariano described as “one of the toughest offshore races right from the start.”
The seasoned team, led by Satariano and Christian Ripard, brought years of offshore sailing experience to the event – most notably their extensive Rolex Middle Sea Race backgrounds, with Satariano having competed in 16 editions and Ripard in 34, including victories in the 2011 and 2014 races.
Their combined expertise was instrumental in navigating the demanding conditions of the Aegean 600, reinforcing Artie III’s reputation as one of Malta’s premier offshore racing teams.
This year’s Aegean 600 proved especially challenging due to highly variable winds that ranged from intense 50-knot gusts to near-calm conditions, significantly slowing the fleet’s progress. The relentless sun added a further test of endurance, offering little respite for the crew, whether on deck or below.
Artie III began the race with a strong start from Cape Sounion, holding top positions through much of the course.
As the team advanced towards Rhodes and along the Turkish coast, fading winds caused a loss of momentum.
In past editions, the Meltemi winds often made Rhodes a notorious bottleneck, but this year, other islands became major stopping points, while the passage at Rhodes was smoother.
The leg to Mykonos proved particularly demanding, with the crew battling winds up to 50 knots before conditions eased to around 30 knots as they rounded the islands.
Reflecting on the race, co-skipper Satariano said: “As expected, this was a very tough race. The crew had to stay continuously focused to keep the boat moving in light winds, contend with extreme heat, and ensure everyone remained hydrated at all times.”
Artie III completed the race with an elapsed time of 4 days, 8 hours, 56 minutes, and 12 seconds, and a corrected time of 5 days, 9 hours, 42 minutes, and 6 seconds.
The team finished 10th overall in the IRC Class, 4th in IRC Class Two, and achieved a podium finish with 3rd place in ORC Class 1.
Satariano was delighted with the podium placing.
“It was nice to be on the podium again. The crew worked well together and the result is well deserved.”
He also extended his congratulations to the crew of Gozo Dream for successfully completing this demanding 600-mile race during their debut participation.
The Artie III crew for this edition included Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard, alongside Mathieu Almekinders, Simon De Gent, Koen de Smedt, Nicky Fenech, E.J. Van Housselt, Sam Pizzuto, and Jake Satariano.
The team said was grateful for the support of Jeep, Elmo Insurance, Manoel Island Yacht Yard, RLR Yachting, and Marina di Valletta.
The fifth edition of the AEGEAN 600 was organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club, with co-organizers Olympic Marine and the Region of Attica.
