Presidential 6th International Yacht Races Bosphorus stage begins
by Engin Yuvaktas 23 Apr 11:08 PDT
23-29 April 2025
Canakkale Presidency Cup 2025 © Icarus Sports
The excitement of the Presidential 6th International Yacht Races in Çanakkale kicks off with the Istanbul Bosphorus stage. Starting on April 23 in Istanbul, the race will set the stage for the thrilling Çanakkale leg.
Held under the auspices of the Presidency of Türkiye, with contributions from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site Presidency, Çanakkale Governorship, and the Turkish Tourism Agency, the event is organized by the Istanbul Offshore Yacht Racing Club and sponsored by DHL Express. The Presidential 6th International Yacht Races will commence with the Bosphorus stage before moving to Çanakkale.
Racers from around the world will compete in the first leg of the Presidential 6th International Yacht Races on April 23, 2025, in the Istanbul Bosphorus Race. Starting from Dolmabahçe Palace, participants will sail along the stunning Bosphorus in a north-south route, enjoying the race while eagerly anticipating the Çanakkale stage.
At a press conference held at Çanakkale's Anadolu Hamidiye Bastion to share race details, Ismail Kasdemir, President of the Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site, expressed excitement for the Çanakkale leg, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory. "Racers from Türkiye and across the globe will compete in the Çanakkale Strait, creating a historic visual spectacle. We hope Çanakkale residents will enjoy this event and invite them to witness this visual feast. As the Historical Site Presidency, we are working to make Çanakkale a hub for cultural, social, and sporting events," he said.
Highlighting the prestige of the Presidential 6th International Yacht Races, Kasdemir noted, "April 23-25 marks the start of the land battles, and we will host many guests from Türkiye and abroad. Hosting this race in the Çanakkale Strait during these dates will offer visitors an unforgettable visual experience."
Çanakkale Governor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Toraman emphasized Çanakkale's significance as a shared value for Türkiye, stating, "Çanakkale has been a central hub of Turkish maritime history. We must strengthen our presence and protect our seas. Hosting the Çanakkale leg of the Presidential yacht races is a source of pride. This will be an unforgettable event for both participants and spectators. We aim to expand such activities throughout the year and increase events on these waters. I wish success to all athletes and thank everyone involved."
Ekrem Yemlihaoglu, President of the Istanbul Offshore Yacht Racing Club, announced that four stages are planned this year, each with compelling stories. "We will start with the Bosphorus race on April 23, followed by an offshore race ending in the Çanakkale Strait. By sailing in the Çanakkale Strait, where a great heroic saga unfolded, we will fulfill our historical responsibility and organize a top-tier race under challenging conditions for the first time. The results of these two races will determine the Çanakkale Victory Cup winner," he said.
Yemlihaoglu added that the second stage will take place in Samsun on May 19, the third in Cyprus on July 20, and the final stage, the traditional Republic Cup, will be held in Istanbul on October 29. "With our yachts adorned with flags, we will celebrate the Republic's spirit with the public. The team that successfully completes the race will be crowned the Republic Cup champion," he concluded.