Presidential Yacht Races Concluded on the Bosphorus

The seventh Presidential International Yacht Races ended with an impressive final on the Bosphorus in Istanbul on Sunday. More than 650 sailors competed in the Cumhuriyet Cup, held as part of Türkiye's 103rd Republic Day celebrations. The season's most successful teams were then rewarded at a ceremony in Fişekhane.

The four-day Cumhuriyet Cup was held between 29 October and 1 November. The race started in front of Dolmabahçe Palace. The sailors faced rainy weather, strong currents and challenging sea conditions.

Throughout the season, major events were held, including the Çanakkale and Coast Guard stages, the 19 May Kurtuluş Cup, the 30 August Zafer Cup and the Cumhuriyet Cup. Athletes from both Türkiye and abroad took part in these races. After the points from the stages were combined, ENKA became the overall champion.

The races were organized by the Istanbul Open Sea Yacht Racing Club under the patronage of the Presidency. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Youth and Sports provided support. The Istanbul Governorship and the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency of Türkiye also cooperated in the organization.

Istanbul Deputy Governor Mustafa Asım Alkan, Turkish Sailing Federation President Özlem Akdurak and many official and military authorities attended the ceremony. Organizing Committee Chairman Ekrem Yemlihaoğlu said the races had completed their seventh year and thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the ministries and local governments for their support. Yemlihaoğlu also announced the 2027 calendar. The Milli Egemenlik Cup will be held on 23 April, and the Atatürk and Youth and Sports Cup on 19 May. The Fetih Cup, which will be held for the first time, will take place on 29 May, and the Anafartalar Cup is also on the program.