2016 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup - Where continents collide

by Marina Kienitz on 27 May 2016 2016 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup - Istanbul is an extraordinary collision of cultures, history, art and architecture. Europe meets Asia, ancient meets modern. The Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup, where racing at the 15th edition starts tomorrow (Friday, 27 May) and runs until Sunday, 29 May, has done much in its comparatively short life to build on the reputation of this remarkable location and to project the elements that make the city a “must-see”, for anyone interested in the world history or culture, and the event a “must-do” on the international yacht-racing calendar.

For the 58 yachts gathered in Kalamis Marina on the north-eastern shore of the Marmara, at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus, three days of racing lie ahead. Friday and Sunday comprise short-course windward/leeward racing for the majority of the fleet, with a coastal course for two classes. On Saturday, 28 May everyone engages in the main event, the Race on the Bosphorus, where the course lies between two continents and offers not just the usual tactical challenge, but a test of navigational skill and concentration in the face of remarkable architectural and scenic distractions.

Magnetic venue

The Bosphorus Cup was the brainchild of a well-travelled, experienced and respected Turkish offshore sailor, Orhan Gorbon, who was born and bred in Istanbul: “I used to sail on the Bosphorus when I was a kid, yet nobody seemed interested and nobody watched. When I started to race internationally, I soon became convinced that Bosphorus could in fact be a magnetic venue for grand-prix yacht-racing.”

For Gorbon the Race on the Bosphorus offers pretty well everything a committed racing sailor might want: “Steady winds, tricky currents, tactical options, incredible atmosphere and dramatic backdrop.” Efe Sezik a trimmer on Team Özonur’s Farr 40 Renault Farr Away agrees: “Racing on the Marmara is similar to many other regattas and races around the world. The Bosphorus however provides a completely unique challenge because of the environment and challenges faced. The contrasting architecture, the spectators and the intricacies of the currents all combine to make the race intensely special.”

International challenge

Albert Kabakov has brought his Sydney 40, Buyan, from 330 miles from Odessa in Ukraine and on the northern shore of the Black Sea (which, for the geographically challenged, is connected to the Sea of Marmara by the Bosphorus strait). Although Kabakov has passed through the Bosphorus many times and, surprisingly given it is prohibited for 360 days a year, has even sailed on it – when his engine cut out during an overnight passage – it will be his first ever participation in the Race: “I have been sailing for many years and have wanted to do this race for a long time. Fellow sailors who have been before have told me all about it. It is a special place. The fact you can only do this very few times a year makes it really attractive. The race brings real difficulties because of the currents, and local sailors have an advantage. Even so we think we have a chance, especially if the wind is good.”

Over the years, Gorbon and his team at ORG Sports have worked hard to develop an event that despite being in the far (eastern) reaches of the Mediterranean offers not just great sailing, but also provides the sailors with an opportunity to appreciate what Istanbul has to offer. Last night the Skipper’s Briefing was held at the striking Feriye Palace in Be?ikta?, one of the many Ottoman imperial palaces that line the European shore of the strait. With a spectacular view north to the Bosphorus Bridge and the Ortaköy Mosque, and to the south the Hagia Sofia silhouetted against the night sky, it must be one of the more evocative locations for a briefing.

Sporting spirit

Tonight, following a short practice race on the waters off Caddebostan, the skippers and crew of the Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup are being treated to a Welcome Cocktail by NurolLife, one of the event’s commercial partners, at its stunning new apartment and office complex under development in Seyrantepe.

In keeping with the events aim to foster a spirit of camaraderie as well as competition, the party will offer an opportunity to celebrate the unbroken participation in the Cup by one of Turkey’s most internationally respected and active yachtsmen, Bülent Atabay, winner of the first event in 2002. Atabay is competing here for the fifteenth time; this year sailing his Farr 55, Orient Express VI.

The 2016 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup is organized by ORG Sports and the Turkish Sailing Federation. Turkey’s integrated telecommunications operator Turkcell is the main sponsor of the event.