Greece's Ghicas going from strength to strength following 'golden year'

Growing up in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the women’s dinghy talent took after her older sister and first stepped onto a boat at the age of six.

A sailing love affair started from there and while her sister gave up the sport, Hermionie’s enthusiasm never wavered.

After claiming the European and world titles in the ILCA 4 class last year, Greece’s national champion is showing no signs of slowing down in a transition year that is going from strength to strength.

“I think that was my golden year,” she said. “This year I switched to ILCA 6 so I’m still trying to make the transition but last year was awesome so let’s see what I can do.

“I haven’t thought so much about the future because I think it’s better for me to take it step by step and because everything has been so fast, getting medals in recent years.

“I just want to stay grounded and see what I can do in the future, I’m not being hard on myself.”

It has not been the smoothest of journeys as a youth for Ghicas, identifying her height as a reason she struggled in the Optimist class and missed out on the national team by single points.

But, a change to the ILCA flicked a switch for Greece’s 176cm tall up-and-coming medal magnet, who is using the boat to her advantage on her climb into senior ranks.

The sport runs in the family and, just as Ghicas did with the ILCA 4, she hopes to conquer her class again and join her older brother Achilleas who sails ILCA 7.

“That was not a very good period for me in the Optimist but then I switched to ILCA and it was like something happened,” she said.

“Everything fell into place and I really love this boat and I think it fits my body type also.

“Once I got into laser, I started seeing it a bit more seriously, it was also psychologically a lot better for me because I’m really tall.

“This is an advantage for me whereas when I was younger I saw it as a disadvantage.

“I started going to the gym and getting stronger and stronger and this is what helped me adjust and make that transition which was really beneficial for me.”

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On the opening day of the Youth Sailing World Championships 2024 on Lake Garda, her pride in competing for her country once again propelled Ghicas to a bullet in her first race.

With a French mother and Greek father, her dual heritage remains integral to her identity but proving the strength of Greek sailing on the water is firmly the priority this week.

Alongside Greek counterpart Alexandros Kyfidis, the pair led both the men’s and women’s dinghy standings after day one in a strong ILCA showing for the country.

“Of course, in sailing I am super Greek,” she said. “I love the Greek team and I love the spirit because I feel like it is underestimated even though we have so much talent and so many amazing people.

“France is also my country but in sailing I am Greek.”

Ghicas last competed on Italy’s largest lake at a junior regatta five years ago and is already savouring the memories she has created on the pristine fresh water among optimal sailing winds.

“I love this place,” she added. “It’s so beautiful and I’m really happy to come here and race these Championships because it is so special.

“It’s sailing paradise so I hope these Championships go well so I have good memories.

“I remember thinking I’m going to buy a place here when I grow up even if I don’t sail, it’s amazing.”