Marmaris International Race Week - 25th year at Netsel Marina + Video
by Icarus Sailing Media on 19 Nov 2014
Marmaris International Race Week 2014 Nikos Zagas
http://www.zagas.gr
The 25th edition of the Marmaris International Race Week took place in Turkey and the highly esteemed Netsel Marina. This was the 25th year that the marina has played host to such an enormous fleet, gathered there as always for Marmaris International Race Week as the regatta celebrated its 25th anniversary. And why change such a splendid venue - Netsel marina offers the best hospitality for the sailors as well as a great atmosphere for all attendees.
Marmaris International race week boasted five days of sailing amongst champagne conditions typical of a Mediterranean coastal town. The event started with an inshore race where the expanse of azure blue waters transformed into a canvas of colour as the participants’ sails filled the course.
During the second day of the Marmaris International Race Week the weather was ideal for another day of racing. However the plan for the day was a special one with the regatta’s only coastal race scheduled to take the fleet outside the Gulf of Marmaris for some offshore sailing. There was an impressive sized fleet that turned out to race with 150 boats waiting patiently as each division took their turn on the starting line. The breeze was very light for the sailors meaning that the emphasis was on good tactics. The course raced measured approximately 30 nautical miles, long enough to give the teams a chance to ratchet up some speed and make some all important gains.
The start of racing in day three was pushed back due to the late finish of the offshore race as the last of the teams crossed the finish line after midnight so the race committee decided to give everyone a chance to recuperate before the third day of racing began. The second inshore race was scheduled for day three but the cloudy skyline and lack of breeze meant that the 150 boats competing were left waiting to start on the glassy waters of the Marmaris Gulf and the party atmosphere took over.
In the penultimate day of the Marmaris International Race Week’s 25th Anniversary, the crews were eager to get out on the water, owing to a lay day in the previous day due to the lack of wind. Some of the crews were fully focused on the racing to improve their standings whilst others simply wanted to enjoy a day of sailing in the stunning Marmaris Gulf. But one thing they all had in common was their love for the sport. The third day of racing finished successfully for all 150 competitors who enjoyed a fast paced race.
During the final day for the Marmaris International Race Week all you could see at Netsel Marina were happy faces after what had been a very successful week so far. Thanks to the good weather and great sailing conditions it has been nothing but a positive experience for everyone out on the water. The shore side activities were a hit too, providing a vibrant social scene for friends and family to enjoy. Of course the week could not end without a memorable awards ceremony. All of the sailors were present to cheer for the winners and of course… to have one final party! The rendezvous will be resumed once again next year for the 26th Marmaris International Race Week. Until then, thanks for watching.
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