Arkas Aegean Link Regatta was held for the seventh time along the shores of Cesme. The winner of the regatta has been Borusan Çılgın Sigma, followed by Blue Moon in the second place and Anything Dere Construction in the third place. The champion of the Turkish Yacht League that took place for the first time this year and had Arkas Aegean Link Regatta as its final leg of the races, remained the same. The champion of the Turkish Yacht League became Borusan Çılgın Sigma, followed by Blue Moon in the second place and Bey Metal Team Linea Rossa in the third place.
For the seventh year in a row, the Arkas Aegean Link Regatta, which is Cesme’s traditional and international competition, has witnessed the dance of yachts with the wind. Organized by Arkas, the Turkish Sailing Federation, EAYK (Aegean Offshore Yacht Club), and Cesme Marina, the competition was held from August 22 to 27, with the goal of expanding sailing in Türkiye and making the sport more popular in Cesme.
Held in Cesme, on one of the best courses in the world for sailing and yacht racing in terms of the wind, the Arkas Aegean Link Regatta was also the final leg of the Turkish Yacht League, organized by the Turkish Sailing Federation. With the addition of J70 class races for the first time this year, the shores of Cesme became the center of a unique excitement.
Arkas Line, the shipping company of Arkas, is the principal sponsor of this year’s Arkas Aegean Link Regatta, hosting 38 boats and over 400 athletes. As in the previous year, FAMM Urla, one of FD Architecture’s most stunning realizations of ecological and sustainable architecture, is also making a contribution to the race. Last but not least, the grand closing party was hosted by YUZU Beach.
They Rode Like the Wind
The first day of the race, which is the following day of the opening cocktail held by Cesme Marina at the Yacht Club on the evening of August 22nd, also coincided with a special day. The sailors competed in a single race against the strong waves of the Cesme sea and strong winds on August 23rd, Ride Like the Wind Day. On the opening day of the race, Arkas Blue Moon came first, while the second place was secured by Anything Dere Construction and the third place by Borusan Racing Çılgın Sigma.
100th Anniversary Republic Cup
On the second day of the event, during the 100th Anniversary Republic Cup Race sponsored by Cesme Municipality, the sailors competed at 15 knots of wind both in the upwind-downwind race conducted in the IRC class, and in the geographical race in the support class.
Following the race, the victorious team Borusan Racing Çılgın Sigma was presented with the cup during a ceremony held at the scenic Cesme Municipality City Terrace.
A New Breath in the Race: J70
On the third day of the race, the J70 boats, a new class of boats added to the races, were out on the sea. Sailing in teams of four alongside Arkas’ Four Musketeers – the new J70 boats Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d’Artagnan – the sailors engaged in buoy races featuring 15-20 minute courses. Following a day of races that captivated spectators along the shores of Dilaila Beach Club, the sailors were treated to a concert by Evrim Ozkaynak and her Band in the evening, and their trophies, handcrafted by ceramic artist Verda Sipahi, were presented to them. The winner of the race was Anything Dere Construction, followed by Blue Moon in the second place and Courrier Du Coeur in the third place.
The J70, a one-design racing boat that has quickly gained popularity among sailors worldwide due to its sturdy and balanced construction, will make its debut in Cesme waters. With their easily removable carbon mast, which can be quickly and easily disassembled and transferred to the trailer when the keel is pulled, these boats, which can be used by beginners or amateur/professional sailing athletes, have very convenient features for races, training sessions, and daily trips. Another reason for the J70s’ quick global adoption is their advantages in rigging and shipping. Arkas Cesme Sailing Sports Club started this course in an effort to get more people interested in sailing.
Champion of Arkas Aegean Link Regatta ’23: Borusan Racing Çılgın Sigma
Sailors of 8 IRC categories and 3 support classes have competed in a total of 6 races over the course of five days in Cesme waters. At the end of the fifth day, Borusan Racing Çılgın Sigma was awarded the championship cup in the overall class, followed by Blue Moon in the second place and Anything Dere Construction in the third place.
At the award ceremony held at Yuzu Beach, Cesme Mayor Ekrem Oran said, “In recent years, we have accomplished significant achievements in terms of sailing in Cesme, surrounded by sea on three sides. I would like to thank Ozlem Akdurak and Bernard Arkas. We, as Cesme Municipality, will continue to support and promote art and artists, sports and athletes at all times.”
In her speech, TYF President Özlem Akdurak stated, “First of all, I would like to thank the referees who made sure that this race was held under excellent conditions. There are some races that pave the way for Turkish sailing by raising the bar higher. This race is one of them. I would like to extend my gratitude to EAYK and sincerely thank the Arkas Family, especially Bernard Arkas, who keeps raising the quality of this event year after year. Furthermore, I would like to thank Arkas Logistics, our greatest supporter on our journey to Marseille. I express my thanks to Cesme Marina, Cesme Municipality, the Port Authority, and the coast guard as well. Tonight, we are also presenting the awards for the Turkish Yacht League for the first time. We aim for this league to become a valuable asset to Turkish sailing in the coming years with increased participation.”
Arkas Holding Vice President Bernard Arkas said, “We have completed another regatta. I always think about how we can improve each race for the following year. This year, we introduced the new J70 class boats. My goal is to contribute to the development of Turkish sailing, and to have an enjoyable week where everyone can sail. I would like to take this occasion and thank you all for joining us, we look forward to seeing you again next year.”
EAYK President Akif Sezer stated, “After tonight, we will all eagerly await the next year. There will be new surprises again. Congratulations to all of you for your efforts.”
In his speech, Toker Gurer, General Manager of Cesme Marina, said, “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this race, to EAYK, to all my colleagues, as well as Head Referee Esref Uzun, the referee committee, and the entire race committee.”
Champions of the First Yacht League Are Announced
Following the MDK “Cabotage” Cup, the 52nd Naval Forces Cup, the Coast Guard Cup, and the Halicarnassus 100th Year Cup, the Arkas Aegean Link Regatta has been the fifth and final leg of the Turkish Yacht League, organized for the first time this year in order to raise interest in the world of sailing and extend this sport to a wider range, just like in other sports. While Borusan Çılgın Sigma has become the champion of the league, Blue Moon secured the second place, followed by Beymetal Team Linea Rossa in the third place.
A Glorious Double-Cup Finale at Yuzu Beach
There is a winner at the end of every competition, and there is fun awaiting all competitors at the end of the Arkas Aegean Link Regatta. The Arkas Aegean Link Regatta and the TYF Yacht League champions were presented with their cups on the same night as the athletes enjoyed the live performance and stage of Iskender Paydas & Orchestra, indulging in entertainment.
The Arkas Aegean Link Regatta winner will keep the trophy for a year. In the next race a year later, the cup will be awarded to the new champion. The boat that triumphs in the competition five years in a row will hold the prize in perpetuity.
Text Credits: ICARUS Sports
Photo Credits:ICARUS Sports
Video Credits:ICARUS Sports
