Spectacular races were hosted at the Setur Marinas Kalamış & Fenerbahçe in August and September. The TAYK BMW Borusan Otomotiv Victory Cup Yacht Race and the 23^rd Bosphorus Cup delivered thrilling moments for the spectators once again.

Yeliz Pınar, Setur Marinas Corporate Communications and Marketing Executive

Organized specifically for the 102^nd anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day, the TAYK BMW Borusan Otomotiv Victory Cup Yacht Race, which took place between August 30 and September 1 this year, welcomed sailboats gliding on the waters and dancing with the wind of the Bosphorus. The impact of the race, in which a total of 42 sailboats from IRC 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and support classes participated, was felt not only on the Caddebostan Moda Adalar course but also on land with the award ceremony and the closing concert. Attended by Şevket Atlı, Deputy Governor of Istanbul, Muhittin Özbay, Istanbul Provincial Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and many special guests, the award ceremony brought joy to the atmosphere of Kalamış Marina. It was an evening where the competition at sea was crowned with friendship on land for the sailors, and the magic of the night was felt all over the city with Jabbar's live DJ performance.

One of the most remarkable moments of the event was the introduction of the "Sea Climate Change" project within the framework of İklim Dostu Spor Hareketleri (Climate Friendly Sports Movement) launched in cooperation with Yuvam Dünya. Creative workshops on winds and marine biodiversity organized with the participation of children, panels titled 'What's Happening to the Earth's Climate?' and 'Wind and Currents as the Climate Changes' attracted everyone's attention. Emphasis was placed on the importance of solidarity for a sustainable future.

Another important event hosted by Setur Marinas Kalamış & Fenerbahçe was the start of the Bosphorus Cup, one of the most prestigious races in the sailing world. Organized between September 19-22 with the participation of 95 sailboats from 11 countries, the race had a fierce competition in the stunning view of the Bosphorus. Gathering on both sides of the Bosphorus, sailing enthusiasts competed among themselves to not miss a moment of the race. While about 1.000 sailors in total competed at sea for four days, they also enjoyed friendship in the warm atmosphere of Kalamış Marina and collected unforgettable memories. As stated by Orhan Gorbon, Founder of Bosphorus Cup, 86-foot Meliti of Stratis Andreadis and Volvo Ocean 70 Aiolos of George Procopiou from Greece took the race to a higher level this year. 

Sailors and guests shared notes of the day and their thoughts on the latest developments in the maritime world at the social events organized after the award ceremony. Setur Marinas Cheese, which Setur Marinas has been supporting for years, coming third in the IRC-0 category made us proud.

These races made it clear once again that yacht races are one of the main drivers of maritime culture.