The Republic's 103rd Year Celebrated with Sailing on the Bosphorus

The Republic Cup, starting in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, brought more than 650 sailors together on the Istanbul Bosphorus despite rain and a strong current. The race was held on October 29 as the fourth leg of the 7th Presidency International Yacht Races and coincided with the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic.

More than 65 teams took part in the race. The boats were decorated with Turkish flags, creating a striking sight along the Bosphorus. The event was organized under the patronage of the Presidency by the Istanbul Open Sea Yacht Racing Club. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Istanbul Governorship and the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency also supported the event.

Changing winds and currents tested the competitors' strategy, tactical decisions and endurance. While the fleet formed a red and white picture on the water, citizens on the shore watched the race and shared the joy of the national holiday.

Club President Ekrem Yemlihaoğlu said that holding the race on the Bosphorus on this important national day added a special meaning to the event. Yemlihaoğlu noted that the more than 650 athletes carried the spirit of Republic Day out to sea. He also respectfully commemorated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, and everyone who contributed to its founding.

The Republic Cup was the fourth and final leg of the 2026 season. The season title, however, will be decided by the total points accumulated across all legs. For this reason, teams competed in this race both for supremacy in the Bosphorus leg and for the season cup.