With four exciting stages in Çanakkale, Samsun, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Istanbul, the Presidential 6th International Yacht Races are laying out an exciting path across Turkey in 2025. The event, which is supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Presidency, and a number of regional agencies, is becoming a key highlight of the world sailing calendar.
Istanbul Offshore Yacht Club President Ekrem Yemlihaoğlu, Istanbul Deputy Governor Şevket Atlı, Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site President Ismail Kaşdemir, Turkish Sailing Federation President Özlem Akdurak, and DHL Express Turkey Deputy General Manager Selver Yıldız Küçükkoyuncu were among the prominent individuals who attended a press conference to reveal the competition’s details.
Four classic legs, each with historical and cultural significance, will be featured in the event, which is a part of the Turkish Sailing Federation’s 2025 agenda.
Çanakkale: Navigating the past
Starting from the Bosporus in Istanbul and ending in the fabled waters of the Çanakkale Strait, the first stage begins on April 23. A difficult race across one of the most perilous naval passes in history will be undertaken by sailors on April 25, the anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign. In honor of Turkey’s wartime heritage, the winners will take home the coveted Çanakkale Victory Cup.
Samsun: Riding the independence waves
On May 14, the second leg departs, following the Bandırma Ferry’s historic route from Istanbul to Samsun. This race honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s entrance in Samsun on May 19, 1919, a pivotal day in the Turkish independence movement. Contestants will fight for the Samsun Liberation Cup in the raging Black Sea, with a gala ceremony held
on May 19 in front of thousands of spectator.
Sailing to Cyprus
The contest moves to the Mediterranean on July 20, which is also the anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974.Yachts will leave Muğla and travel over open waters to the North Cyprus coast.
In order to represent Turkey’s steadfast maritime presence and support for the Turkish Cypriot struggle, the first team to cross the finish line will be proclaimed the Blue Homeland Cup champions.
Istanbul: Bosporus Grand Finale
Now a beloved tradition, the final leg is held in the center of Istanbul on October 29. Yachts will sail the Bosporus in a spectacular celebration of the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, decked out in Turkish flags. The Cumhuriyet Cup (Republic Cup), which unites Turkey’s marine spirit and national pride, will be hoisted by the winning crew in a stunning finale.
International athletic extravaganza
The competition is expected to draw 200 ships and more than 1,500 sailors from 20 countries for its ten races spread across four stages. Engin Yuvaktaş, Sports Director of the Istanbul Offshore Yacht Club, highlighted that the event’s global reach keeps growing and highlights Turkey’s rich nautical history.
Showcasing Turkey’s delightful coastline
The event’s primary sponsor for five years, DHL Express Turkey, reiterated its dedication to it, and Küçükkoyuncu emphasized its contribution to enhancing Turkey’s standing in international sailing. Turkish Sailing Federation President Özlem Akdurak underscored the federation’s ultimate goal: securing an Olympic sailing medal by 2028. “We are showcasing Turkey’s most stunning coastlines while nurturing world-class talent,” she stated.
Ismail Kaşdemir, president of the Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site, acknowledged the event’s potent homage to history and expressed delight about presenting it on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Source: Daily Sabah
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