2012 Lycian Rally wraps up successfully in Antalya

by Maggie Joyce on 9 Oct 2012 The 2012 Mariner Boating Lycian Yacht Rally finished in Antalya on Saturday October 6, with the prize giving dinner and entertainment provided by the crews placing a glowing full stop at the end of the two week rally.

After Kalkan the second week began with a stop at the Greek island of Kastellorizo, just three miles from Kas on the Turkish mainland. A thunder storm accompanied by some wind and waves visited the port for a couple of hours to remind the crews that uninterrupted perfect weather enjoyed until then should not lead to complacency. Taverna owner Vangelis left the comfort of his bed to ensure there were no accidents to the yachts at anchor a step from his tables on the quay - and there were none.

The next fun race was scheduled to start in Kas and end in Kekova but having lost a day during the calm on the leg from Karacoeren the crews voted for two races on the day - with a swim stop midway. Meanwhile the wind strengthened and the second leg saw a solid 15 – 20 knot westerly.

Kekova is a destination all by itself with a six mile waterway almost landlocked by the Island of the same name. From a long way off the imposing castle at Kale Koy is conspicuous and later that night the full moon rose above the castle to create a truly surrealistic scene.

The following lay day saw an excursion to the sunken ruins of Kekova and to the castle. Later that afternoon more sunken ruins were found at another location, which shall remain nameless. The warmth and hospitality of the Turks continued at the simple restaurant nearby. The 25 TL (AUD 13) menu, provided a green salad as entre and the choice of grilled fresh fish, BBQ chicken or grilled Turkish Kofte as main. Simply the best!

The forecast for the final leg to Finike was for an unlikely south easterly so a new course was designed to fit the conditions. The short work on a flat sea provided a change from the mainly running conditions experienced on the previous race days.

In Antalya the ancient port of Kalici has been preserved intact and the boutique hotel used for final night could not be reached by bus. The last two hundred meters had to be covered on foot. The short walk down the slope toward the tiny harbour was well worth the effort. The hotel, a converted Ottoman mansion, later proved to be home to the best restaurant in Antalya. An outstanding dinner, impeccably served, before the braver crews departed for the nearby nightclub featuring live Turkish folk music accompanied by a few rakis!

Dates for the 2013 rally have already been set and the bookings to date mean there is limited availability. Details are available from Laura@marinerboating.com.au or on the phone 02 99661244.