2023 Arkas Aegean Link Regatta - Day 3

2023 Arkas Aegean Link Regatta - Day 3 © Icarus Sports

Arkas Aegean Link Regatta organized for the seventh time

During the press conference of the 7th Arkas Aegean Link Regatta, Bernard Arkas, Vice President of Arkas Holding, shared the sailing philosophy of Arkas.

In his speech, he highlighted, "We are a company intricately intertwined with the sea, offering employment opportunities within the maritime sector. One of our objectives is to materialize enduring and steadfast initiatives with the aim of advancing the practice of sailing within our nation and fostering increased maritime activity in our country that has suitable geographical conditions. Our journey commenced with the establishment of a professional and corporate team. In 2017, we took over Arkas Cesme Sailing Sports Club from Çesme Yelken Ihtisas Kulübü. Since that time, our predominant investments have been channeled into the training of budding athletes and the facilitation of enhanced training regimens for athletes already in our fold. We trained and transferred 12 athletes to our national team. We have athletes who have become champions in European and World Championships; thus, we are not only providing a hobby, but we are working toward our aim to achieve sporting success. We aim to raise exceptional athletes from Izmir who will compete in the European and World Championships. Since last year, training programs have also begun in Izmir Marina, in addition to Cesme. In summer and winter, we train 70 children in Cesme and Izmir. During summer, this number increases to 300-350. For athletes to love a sport, there must be competition and goals. For this reason, we set goals that they would like to achieve and organize races. Cesme's wind is one of the top sailing courses in the world, and I believe that brand events that benefit sports and tourism should be increased and supported. That is why I place significant emphasis on the sustainability of this race and its contributions."

A sustainable race: Arkas Aegean Link Regatta

Arkas emphasized their collaboration with the Turkish Sailing Federation and EAYK Cesme Marina as part of the Arkas Aegean Link Regatta. Emphasizing their achievement in hosting more than 300 boats and over 3,000 athletes, he noted, "Our main goal has always been to have a sustainable and globally recognized race. Last year, though, we observed that international teams were also interested in the event. Among the 38 boats, there was 1 Bulgarian and 1 Russian boat. This year there are three boats. We have extended the event this year. There will be racing and excitement for 6 days."

J70 - Arkas' Four Musketeers

Arkas stated that they have added a new class to Arkas Aegean Link Regatta this year, and said, "We also just purchased four J70 model boats for use in training and racing by universities and affiliated groups in Izmir. By introducing the J70 class, we have improved our trainings, which began with Optimist and proceeded with ILCA, formerly known as laser. This will provide sailing enthusiasts of all ages with the thrill of competition while also making it easier for them to train and join teams. Our goal is to develop a team for the J70 league. On the other hand, Arkas MAT Sailing Team will train racers to make the team sustainable.