The Olympic Sailing Center of Agios Kosmas stands as one of the most sophisticated coastal redevelopments in the Mediterranean, originally conceived to host the sailing and paralympic sailing events of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Strategically located along the Athenian Riviera on the grounds of the former international airport, the center transformed a neglected shoreline into a world-class nautical hub, serving as a catalyst for the modernization of the Attica coastal zone.
NAMA played a key role in the multidisciplinary design team, providing the complex engineering framework required to repurpose the land and sea zones. The project involved the extensive redevelopment of the existing harbor into a state-of-the-art marina, coupled with high-specification land-based infrastructure designed to meet the rigorous standards of the International Olympic Committee.
Engineering Excellence on the Coastal Front
Developing a facility of this magnitude within a sensitive marine environment required a seamless integration of technical expertise:
- Maritime and Port Infrastructure: Extensive port works and breakwater designs to create a sheltered basin, ensuring safe navigation and mooring for elite competition vessels and luxury yachts.
- Land Zone Transformation: The comprehensive master planning of a 450-acre site, including a continuous 800-meter coastal front and the design of permanent building structures exceeding 13,500 square meters.
- Advanced Transport and Logistics: Design of the facility’s internal circulation and a massive 1,200-space parking area, optimized for the high-volume traffic of athletes, spectators, and support teams.
- Hydraulic and Utility Systems: Specialized hydraulic studies for wastewater management and stormwater drainage across the vast coastal site, protecting the Saronikos Gulf from runoff.
- Topographic Precision: Detailed mapping of the coastal and underwater terrain to facilitate the complex transition from airport grounds to a maritime center.
A Sustainable Destination for Global Yachting
Designed to accommodate a capacity of 1,000 yachts, the center was engineered for longevity beyond the Olympic flame. Today, it remains a vibrant landmark of the Athenian coastline, offering one of the most capable mooring and maintenance environments in the region. The project successfully balanced the immediate requirements of a global sporting event with the long-term vision of a sustainable, premium yachting destination.
For NAMA, the Olympic Sailing Center of Agios Kosmas represents a pinnacle of maritime and urban engineering, demonstrating our capacity to deliver iconic coastal infrastructure that reshapes the landscape of international sport and tourism.
