Volos, Greece 9 - 12 May

The port of Volos lies on the site of the ancient city of Iolkos, where one of the most legendary sea faring epics of ancient times started. It was here, in the idyllic Pagasitikos bay, that Jason built his ‘pentikontoros’ sailing ship Argo and, along with his legendary Argonauts, set course for Colhis in the Black Sea, returning with the ‘Golden Fleece’, the symbol of commercial abundance and prosperity.

The new port was founded in 1893 when Volos was establishing itself as a regional centre of agricultural and handicraft exports. Today, Volos is one of the fastest growing commercial and tourism centres in the country. Visitors can enjoy the attractions of Mount Pelion - the place where the mythical half men/half horse Centaurs lived - while the picturesque coasts of Pagasitikos bay and the Aegean Sea in the east are also popular destinations.

The popularity of the nearby Sporades islands, such as Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonisos, has also contributed to the increased volume of traffic enjoyed by the port of Volos in recent years.

The Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta will combine a host of marine sports and cultural events, including an ambitious project involving a replica of the ‘Argo’, built to the plans and description of the original. The modern-day vessel will commemorate the Argonauts' ancient voyage by sailing with a crew of young volunteers through the Dardanelles to the coasts of Asia Minor and the Black Sea; taking the same course that the Tall Ships fleet will follow.

Volos looks forward to welcoming the young trainees, crews, ships and international visitors to a three-day ‘argonautical’ feast before they set sail in a quest for their own ‘Golden Fleece’..

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