The 23rd edition of the Bosphorus Cup is about to begin, bringing an international fleet of racing yachts to Turkey’s ancient maritime city. Here’s what to expect:
- 900 sailors from 10 nations will compete.
- Special permission granted for racing on the Bosphorus Strait on Saturday 21 September.
- Around 85 boats expected, ranging between 25 and 86ft in length.
A Four-Day Event
The Bosphorus Cup is a four-day regatta, taking place from 19 to 22 September. Key events include:
- 19 September: Opening day.
- 20 September: Around-the-cans races off Caddebostan.
- 21 September: Bosphorus Race through the Bosphorus Strait.
- 22 September: Final races off Caddebostan and crowning of the overall winner.
A Rare Treat for Sailors
- The Bosphorus Strait: Just 16.5 nautical miles long and less than 0.5 nautical miles at its narrowest point, separating Europe from Asia.
- Categories include:
- IRC
- ORC
- Sportsboats
- Cruising boats
Where Else in the World?
Founded by Orhan Gorbon, former offshore sailor and Admiral’s Cup veteran, the Bosphorus Cup brings yacht racing to the heart of Istanbul. Notable highlights:
- Around 85 boats will participate, including 10 local Farr 40 one-designs.
- International competitors from countries like Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Dubai, and Switzerland.
- Local and international competition:
- Orient Express, a Farr yacht from Turkey.
- TP52 from Izmir sailed by Arkas Sailing Team.
- Last year’s winner, Fenerbahce 1 (Stimson 44).
- Two Greek yachts: Volvo Ocean 70 Aiolos and Garcia 86 Meliti.
The Theater of Winds
The regatta creates a festival atmosphere along the Bosphorus shores:
- 1 million people are expected along the banks of the strait to enjoy the view.
- A collaboration with the Fine Arts Academy of Istanbul brings the “Theater of Winds”:
- Six dancers will showcase each of the different winds at a party in the Ciragan Palace.
- The performance will take place during the afternoon at the Ciragan Kempinski Hotel.
Special Logistics
Due to the density of commercial traffic in the Bosphorus (three times that of the Suez or Panama Canals), securing permission for the event has been challenging.
- Gorbon thanks the sponsors and supporters who made the event possible.
- He wishes all the sailors “the best of skill and luck” for the competition.