MOBILIZATION DECLARED IN BODRUM

The strong winds that have been in effect since yesterday intensified further, impacting race day.
The briefing for the race, which had 55 boats registered, took place at 9:30 AM.
Chief Race Officer Nihat Yenel began his remarks by stating that the wind would adversely affect today's races.
According to measurements taken, the wind was reported to be blowing at 24-35 knots.
All boats were instructed not to set sail until they received word from the race committee.
Following shore-based wind measurements, the race committee boat set sail. Measurements taken at the starting area showed that the average wind was 26 knots,
reaching 36-40 knots during squalls.
Meanwhile, all race participants began waiting on their boats and in the social areas.

However, just when it seemed the race would not take place, at 2:00 PM the Race Committee announced and invited the racing yachts to the course.

The vast majority, certain that the race would not take place, had already set up their tables at cafes and restaurants and begun to enjoy themselves. Radio announcements and a flurry of phone calls suddenly emptied the establishments around Milta Bodrum Marina. It was as if a mobilization had been declared. While the shopkeepers were left bewildered, crews had already gathered and begun heading out to sea. Those who were certain the race wouldn't happen and had rolled their glasses a bit too much decided not to go out to sea despite the announcement, and they did the right thing.

When they headed out to the course, the wind was blowing between 13-20 Knots. Experience indicated this was a build-up of force. Meteorological data showed this as well. With starts given one after another according to classes, the boats found themselves in the race.

From the start line on the Karaada side, a sausage course would be sailed with offset turns at the buoy in front of Kale. Of course, with lap differences between classes. After all starts were completed, the weather began to gather its strength and build. Poseidon, as if saying " No sitting in cafes, if you're here, you're on the course," began to build. Squalls were reaching 30 knots. When the intensifying wind suddenly began to blow at the same strength for an extended period, what had to happen happened. Towards the Adaağzı location, MAD X-YB GAYRİMENKUL was seen drifting uncontrollably, unable to release the spinnaker halyard and with the mainsail pressed. In an announcement made from the boat to the race committee, a rudder failure was reported and assistance was requested.

The first to arrive alongside the drifting vessel was the Bodrum Coast Guard Boat, followed by the Coast Guard Boat. They attempted to turn the bow of the out-of-control vessel into the wind. Meanwhile, the mainsail had been lowered. While the intervention continued, news came that ARKAS-FLYING BOX and ISKORPIT UK SAILS boats had collided during their approach in front of the shipyards, and 2 crew members from ISKORPIT UK SAILS had fallen overboard.

While heading to the accident location with the press boat, the wind relatively decreased in intensity. When we reached the boats, we witnessed that the colliding boats had separated, and the crew members named Cengiz and Bülent who had fallen overboard were rescued. After the boats completed their necessary inspections, they returned to Milta Bodrum Marina under their own power using engines and were hauled out.

At the end of the race, CFM in IRC A O, TURUVA in IRC A 1, MATADOR in IRC A-2, CMS DÖNENCE in IRC A 3, LADY DENİZ in IRC B 1, MIHO in IRC B 2, and LIV in the Support Class were the boats that left their competitors behind.
The fact that tomorrow's weather will be very low, even almost non-existent, contrary to today's conditions, is showing itself on meteorology websites.

Sunday comes with blessings. Let's see what the new day will bring.