The Israeli rally, also known as the Israeli regatta, is an exciting adventure that starts in Israel and ends in Kaş. It is a special pleasure for us to be a partner in this adventure.

 

Eda Selçuk, Setur Marinas Finike Front Office Representative

 

While traversing the open sea, a sense of desolation can envelop you amidst the vast expanse of water, or perhaps you may stumble upon Juan Ponce De Leon's legendary Elixir of Youth. However, when journeying within this rally, solitude will not be your companion.

 

The Israel Regatta, organized by Ron Barmatz and Kaş Marina Manager Tuncay Özses, first started in Israel in 2022 with the motto "may your bow be clear and your wind easy". Although the number of sailboats changes every year, at least 25 large and small sailing boats from Israel participate in this journey. While the pleasure of the first rally is still fresh in our palates, the second one is taking place this year with the participation of 30 boats. It can take months for a boat to prepare for the voyage. Therefore, we can say that the preparations of the boats that want to take part in the rally group start as soon as the previous rally is over.

 

 

What path does this rally group follow, you ask? For the boats embarking from Israel, their initial destination in Turkey is Alanya. From there, they drop anchor close to Kemer, allowing them to relish the stunning bays dotting our southern shores. The journey then advances towards Adrasan. Here, a warm welcome is extended to Suluada before the boats make their way to Setur Finike Marina.

 

In 2022, we extended our warm embrace to the rally group during the scorching days of summer. Similarly, this year's rally participants will be greeted anew, but this time, the welcome will unfold on a summer evening, beneath the refreshing veil of twilight. The procession of boats commences its entry around seven in the evening, and as the final vessel glides in, a complete convoy has graced the marina, culminating around 01: 30 after midnight.

 

This year, our anticipation was for a daytime arrival, yet maritime journeys often weave a tapestry of delightful surprises and unforeseen challenges. In a twist of fate, their arrival coincided with an expansive naval exercise encompassing the Finike region. Consequently, their docking at the marina unfolded at an unexpected hour. This, however, bestowed an even greater delight upon us, as the sight of sailboats arrayed like luminous pearls against the night's backdrop is etched into memory. They relish a barbecue gathering and partake in a meticulously arranged cocktail event, reserving their exploration of Finike for the cooler climate. 

 

 

After cooling off in the turquoise waters of Kekova Bay, which is on their route after Finike, and taking a look at the Sunken City from above, they reach Makmarin Kaş Marina for the closing ceremony of this journey. Kaş is the end point for this rally, but it is never the end to continue the adventure. Afterwards, some continue on to the Aegean bays, while others set off for a balloon adventure in Cappadocia.

 

Rallies or regattas have very special meanings in themselves, but the Israel Rally not only strengthens the relations between the two countries, but also broadens the horizons of us sea enthusiasts.

 

We are already counting the days to see Mr. Ron and the other boat owners again next year.

 

Photographs: Eda Selçuk