2015 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup - Day 3 + Video

by Icarus Sailing Media on 2 Jun 2015 Welcome back to Istanbul and the concluding day of the Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup. Despite the fierce competition and rivalry on the water, shoreside the dock was full of camaraderie between the teams as they prepared for racing.

The final day dawned with a change in weather, as the sunny sky served up a light breeze, causing some difficulty for the race committee to get racing underway. The thermal breeze wasn’t strong enough to create a stable breeze, so patience called for – as teams faced postponements and several attempts to start racing.

A stable breeze is essential for the windward/ leeward race format but didn’t impact the coastal race for the Maxis. Sailors on these powerful racing machines relish the coastal challenge - pushing the yachts to maximum performance. Teams raced past a series of iconic Istanbul landmarks, which set the cultural scene – including the mystical architectural beauty of Hagia Sofia – once a church, later a mosque and now a museum. The Maxis also attracted a pod of intrigued dolphins, who played alongside.

Back on the windward/ leeward race track, yachts compressed at the favoured pin end of the line for the start. The pressure was on Arkas Flying Box to wrap up victory with a race to spare. The delight for the team on Borusan Racing – Cilgin Sigma, who secured a series best result of fourth. But, their return to form though was just too late to push them into a podium finish. Another impressive performance from Orient Express VI, gave them the win and overall series glory.

In the windward/ leeward fleet, Arkas Flying Box managed the competition skillfully. The pressure of being series leaders did not crush their quest for another bullet. Punishingly accurate teamwork rewarded them with win number three and claim to the perpetual Turkcell Platimum Bosphorus Cup Trophy. A precious moment.

Celebrations at the closing ceremony – and winners showered with prizes and applause. Another year of great racing and special memories, as teams appreciated the warm Turkish hospitality. Calendars are already booked to return next year.

Watch the video