113 Boats from 21 Countries Gather in Marmaris

I am in Marmaris for the Marmaris International Race Week events that will take place on October 26-31.

Considering the races that could not be held under pandemic conditions, the race week, which was conceived and initiated years ago, is taking place under MIYC organization.

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WHO WAS THERE, WHAT HAPPENED

Dozens of changing administrators, dozens of referees have their efforts and signatures in this event.

Of course, alongside this, many publishers who covered the races also made efforts over the years to promote and announce the events in this field.

The changing and increasingly transforming publishing approach is rapidly advancing in favor of those who choose digital media.

Fast news, quickly consumed visuals are today's reality.

The clubs organizing the event are also adapting to this reality with different methods, just like the publishers.

CLUB WILL CONDUCT YOUTUBE BROADCAST

MIYC had prepared to live stream the races on their YouTube channel for this event. When we arrived to follow the 36th Race Week, summer was almost continuing

in Marmaris.

This green town was far from that expected autumn mode.

IT WAS A HOLIDAY LIKE THIS

The fact that the race week coincided with holidays and related vacations also had an effect on this.

The beaches were full as if it were midsummer, and when the October Fast event held in Marmaris and the Race Week overlapped, it presented a festival appearance that couldn't contain itself.

Everywhere was packed.

21 COUNTRIES 113 BOATS

This year 113 boats from 21 different countries registered. As we've become accustomed to in recent years, Russian sailors are predominant; approximately 724 racers.

Turkish teams are in second place with 37 boats, with 150 Turkish athletes. This number shows that Turkish teams' interest in the race is increasing. Besides the increase in numbers, fast and

competitive teams have started to come. This development sheds good light for the Marmaris course in the coming years.

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has allocated almost the entire waterfront area for the racing yachts to berth.

MARMARIS LOCALS AND RACERS SIDE BY SIDE

Boats, racers and the public are side by side for 1 week. Just as they watch them race at sea, they witness their preparations on land.

I never thought this practice would be so beneficial.

The club management has chosen the same venue as the event area.

The venue behind the lighthouse has become the place where all events take place. It's very well organized. Side by side with the boats, right in the middle of the sea.

EVENT VENUE SELECTION; PERFECT TEN

I think the search for a venue, which for years was confined to a tent and then moved to bar street, has finally found its perfect spot. Everything is side by side, everything is visible, transparent.

Teams who submit their documents at the club building come to the briefing at the event area.

Chief Umpire Ezgi Kalaycı first introduces the jury team that will manage the week, then makes her presentation accompanied by visuals.

EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The technology is running flawlessly.

The Opening Speech is given by MIYC President Bülent Çelik. Çelik also introduces the club's secret, invisible heroes to the participants.

At the opening party, the marina comes alive with a live orchestra. The yachtsmen are having fun until late hours. A beautiful opening. Let's see if the color will reflect on the races?

OCTOBER 27 MONDAY

When we woke up on the first day of the race, we encountered a windless Marmaris with clouds covering its mountains.

THE SUN IS WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO BREAK THROUGH

The sun is showing its face, but it was expected to say "Excuse Me" in time.

At the dock, boats had completed their final preparations and were heading out to the course under the darkening sky following the Race Committee boat.

THIS IS WHAT A PRESS BOAT SHOULD BE LIKE

We followed them with a perfect press boat. This time aboard our boat were the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality administrators who mobilized all their resources for the MİYC organization.

Metropolitan Municipality administrators were present.

NEW GOOD NEWS FROM THE MUNICIPALITY FOR SAILORS

While we were providing them with information about the course and the race from our boat, they were announcing that many more facilities would be offered for sailors.

THE WIND REMAINED CONSTANT

When we arrived at the course, the wind was blowing from 120 degrees. This direction did not shift even one degree until all the races were finished. In terms of strength, it was in the 12-16 knot range. 

As the day progressed, clouds completely covered the course.

ORC-A-B-C-D-E-MAXI classes raced on Route 1 from the Miyc Routes and completed 2 races on the same route during the day.

They started the race with 4 starts in this class.

ORC CHR-A-B-C-D classes also started the race and sailed Route 6 from the MIYC Routes. They completed one race as planned during the day.

PREMATURE START DAY

Premature starts marked the day. The start was recalled multiple times. In the first race, ORC B-C, and in the second race, ORC D-E made premature starts. General recalls were made in both races.

The racing of ORC-A-B-C-D-E-MAXI in the inner harbor, and ORC CHR-A-B-C-D in the inner and outer harbor allowed the boats to race comfortably.

Having a single start line and two finish lines also enabled clear and understandable implementation of the race.

After the protest hearings, the race results were announced and the day's trophy ceremony took place in the event area.

28 OCTOBER TUESDAY

In the early morning hours, the sky above Marmaris is covered with clouds. The wind blowing from the south has raised small waves in the inner harbor and is slowly caressing the Marmaris beaches.

The long-awaited Tuesday has finally arrived. Weather websites have been consistently showing this day for wind and rain.

WHAT IF THE CENTER PASSES OVER THE RACE COURSE?

Today's weather charts show a very strong front right next to the race course. Of course, with these forecasts, it's unclear where the front might shift and what its extent will be over time.

Considering these conditions, the race committee heads out to the course early.

THE EXPECTED RAINFALL IN MARMARIS

The race committee is on the course, heavy rain in Marmaris. Visibility is zero. Sight distances vary by area.

The race committee's job is difficult; Heavy rain, wind constantly changing in direction and strength, clouds hovering over the course ready to discharge their electricity at any moment.

The fleet is waiting on shore postponement. The committee is taking measurements from different positions, but data far from racing conditions is being heard over the radios.

"DON'T SAY THERE WON'T BE A RACE" 

Everyone on shore is starting to say "there won't be a race today anymore". Even as we are putting the cameras in our bags, the committee is inviting the fleet to the course for a single race.

When the invitation is heard, how can it not be answered?

The fleet sets course together to the Committee boat located at Yalancı Boğaz position. The fleet that has been waiting on shore until 15.00 is now on the course.

The wind that has been from the south since morning shifts to west, then north over time. The wind settling at 230 degrees is blowing steadily in the 6-10 knot range.

The committee announces the route of the day's single race as ROUTE 1 from the MIYC routes. This correctly chosen windward-leeward route is accepted as a choice that maintains the boundaries of fairness.

The fleet is on the course with 4 consecutive starts. There is no adverse development in the wind. Fodepar has become a habit in some classes at the starts.

INNER HARBOR FULL OF BOATS

40 minutes after the start of the race, Marmaris inner harbor is full of boats in every position.

The spinnakers opened on the return, combined with the sun rays saying "Have you forgotten me? I'm here too" through the clouds, create magnificent views.

As the sun goes to hide behind the mountains, the wind drops. The dropping wind is not enough to carry the ORC CHR boats to the finish. At the same time, with the wind

shifting over 30 degrees, the race is abandoned for these classes.

In the races continuing for 2 days, we don't see many boats pulling ahead in their classes. However, it is possible to see the lights of a remarkable competition in the ORC E class.

CAN THERE BE A RACE WITHOUT A PROTEST?

Once the protest hearings are concluded at the club building, the results are announced and off to the activity area. The racers loved this area very much and it takes place with full participation.

REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST THIS YEAR

Before moving on to the award ceremony, Chairman Bülent Çelik commemorates the sailors we lost during the year.

OCTOBER 29 WEDNESDAY

Today is a holiday. The holiday atmosphere is reflected in the weather; daily sunshine. People on the streets wearing clothes with the Crescent and Star, flags in hands..

FLAG, FLAG, FLAG

Boats carrying large Turkish flags are forming a cortege in Marmaris waters.

As the fleet taking position on the course is stationed beside the committee boat, we hear announcements from boats measuring wind at different points of the course.

POSTPONEMENT NECESSARY FOR THIS MUCH SHIFT

The start procedures are initiated, and just as the start is about to be given, a postponement is announced. The wind is making direction changes exceeding 30 degrees.

Measurements, searches and waiting continue. Planning preparations between those broadcasting from the YouTube channel and club officials, those who turn these moments into an opportunity

to sunbathe…

JUST AS THE WIND SETTLED

While the wind is blowing from 270 degrees in the range of 6-8 knots, a course of 8 E with Keçi Island turn is announced.

But as the wind shifts again, the course is adjusted to 250 degrees. At the same time, the offset buoy turns are also removed.

ACCIDENT GOTTEN OFF CHEAPLY

From the fleet that will race with 4 separate starts, as a result of the forestay wire breaking at the start moment of CHEES 6-GARANTİ BBVA Boat racing in ORC D class, 4 crew members fall

into the sea.

Without any mishap, the crew members are taken aboard and the team is out of this race. The racing boats gradually separate from each other and first set course towards İçmeler

direction.

İÇMELER EXIT IS DIFFERENT WITH SPINNAKERS

The battle with spinnakers deployed while exiting from İçmeler to open sea becomes even more enjoyable. When course is set to enter the inner harbor, the channel does not create difficulty this

time as it always does. Boats approaching the finish by deploying their spinnakers again hear on the radio that the 2nd Race of the day will be held.

GET READY, THERE IS ONE MORE RACE

When the first race of the day is completed, the Committee announces the courses for the 2nd Race of the day. But considering the changes in the wind, they announce route 6 E for ORC Classes,

and route 8 E for CHR Classes.

Starting the race on a similar course, ORC boats in the fleet will also round Kargataşı Island at the İçmeler exit.

The wind does not drop at all during the race. In fact, we witness boats occasionally broaching off İçmeler and Turunç.

There are no big gaps in the leading classes in the fleet. Rival boats complete the course sometimes ahead, sometimes behind with tactics.

CHR classes are finishing into the inner harbor after rounding Keçi Island.

The wind doesn't leave the fleet alone until the very end.

With the conclusion of the protest hearings, the results are announced and here comes the ceremony area.

OCTOBER 30 THURSDAY

Today is Geographic Route day. The boats will compete in a long, single-race course in Marmaris outer harbor. Again, a daily sunny day leftover from summer.

I'm heading out to the course early in the morning with the committee boat. Long geographic route days are always risky.

GEOGRAPHIC ROUTE REQUIRES ATTENTION

Many complications can occur regarding wind and rain. The committee is very meticulous to prevent these complications from happening. They want to avoid any disruptions in 30-35 nautical mile races.

Despite the early hour, there is very light wind. What will happen once the main course is set is uncertain.

BLACK AND WHITE AT THE OUTER HARBOR

When we go out to the outer harbor, the black and white boat shows itself when stopped. The location where the wind can blow strongest is the mouth of İçmeler.

In front of Abdi Reis bay, the wind not exceeding 2-3 knots increases by one knot in front of İçmeler. Difficult decision; where there is wind, the depths are too much for the committee boat to drop anchor

as well. Chief Umpire Ezgi Kalaycı is taking the boat around all possible starting locations.

WHERE THE COMMITTEE BOAT GOES, THE FLEET FOLLOWS

The fleet is also behind the committee boat, in step.

Sunbathing, deck napping, and passing time are also starting. Measurements are being taken repeatedly in all areas.

WE STARTED WITH A POSTPONEMENT, MAY IT BE FOR THE BEST

When sufficient wind cannot be found, a postponement is issued at 11:50. Finally, the awaited wind takes pity on the fleet and slowly arrives.

It's coming but the depth at the starting position is very high.

DEPTHS ARE EXCESSIVE

The committee takes the boat out of service and forms the starting line with 2 buoys. The umpires, including the chief umpire, are in the boat next to the buoy.

While the wind is blowing in the 6-8 knot range, starts are given again in the same order. All classes start racing with 4 separate starts.

FOULWEATHER GEAR HAS DECREASED

The decrease in foulweather gear is noticeable. If the race extends another week, it seems we won't see any foulweather gear. The boats will race on a route with a bird's-eye view 35 NM Kızıl Ada round trip. ROUTE A

THIS YEAR CHARTER CLASSES ARE VERY DETERMINED

One of the notable things this year is the very determined actions of those competing in the Charter class and their efforts to act as fast as they can.

After the start, the boats don't fall into the mistakes of previous years; first they set course for Kadırga Burnu, then for Kızıl Ada.

As time passes, the fleet boats are separating from each other and the wind is starting to decrease.

Anticipating what might happen, the committee announces that the 2nd Race Committee boat waiting at Kızıl Ada location will record gate passages at that location or will take finishes if the course is shortened.

Those heading towards Rhodes Island after Kadırga Point are making faster progress.

Those choosing the coastal route are falling into a windless area in front of Çitlik Bay and beyond. Meanwhile, some boats are retiring from the race.

After 19:00, with the wind shifting to 300 degrees, those coming from offshore and the coast complete their finishes on the shortened course.

With finishes continuing until 04:00 at night, another racing day is completed again in darkness.

31 OCTOBER FRIDAY

We wake up to a very sunny day in Marmaris. Summer weather dominates the region. Today is the last race day. The entire fleet, starting with the committee boat, heads out to the course as soon as possible to race. There is a closing ceremony tonight, there are preparations.

The referee boat is taking wind measurements in the middle of the course. Wind doesn't exceed 3 knots in all positions. Committee boats are buzzing around inside and outside, taking measurements.

Not only is there no increase in wind, but the direction is constantly changing. The tired fleet continues the final wait. The committee finally catches the wind and begins start procedures but

again there is a major change in the wind.

The committee waits persistently and after making sure the wind has arrived, begins start procedures at Yalancı Boğaz position where they arrived with the fleet.

Just as the first group is about to start, the wind changes again and as the clock shows 15:00, the announcement "see you next year" is heard from the committee boat.

AWARD CEREMONY

The evening award ceremony is very crowded. All competitors and organizers have filled the event area. And when it comes to the award ceremony, colorful scenes emerge.

In the crowded event area, large screens carry the images to the back. Very crowded.

In conclusion; the 36th Marmaris International Race Week was not just a sailing race, but a festival of maritime culture, friendship and wind.

With MIYC's meticulous organization, local government support, and participants' high energy, Marmaris once again manages to make its name heard on the international sailing scene this year.

WE ALSO ASKED THE ORGANIZERS, CONTRIBUTORS AND COMPETITORS

BÜLENT ÇELİK

(MIYC President)

"This year we started the race week with great excitement. Because with many changes, we started working on these races together with our new board of directors.

We worked hand in hand, in cooperation with all institutions. We made efforts to make this a more productive organization that will promote our country better.

We completed 6 out of the planned 7 races without any incidents. Unfortunately, the last day's race was cancelled due to the whims of the wind.

We hope to bring this organization to even better places and continue in cooperation with all institutions for both the promotion of sailing sport and our country.

EZGİ KALAYCI

(Chief Race Officer)

"We had a very good week. However, it was below our potential. The reason for this was the changes in the wind, the drops in intensity.

We hold races here and set courses all year long. We position the technical courses and the triangle course very well within the bay.

We had 3 very good races on the first day.

On Tuesday we already experienced difficulties at sea due to rain. Because of the extremely strong, sudden winds brought by the rain, we initially did not launch the athletes to sea.

We did not want to put the athletes in danger as visibility was lost.

On Wednesday our wind was very good but it constantly shifted and that challenged us a lot. We couldn't set the course inside the bay.

My greatest preference is to race inside the bay. You can see both the athlete and the race. You can make decisions more easily.

Professional athletes also prefer buoy races. Wednesday was good but we had to do a coastal course.

Thursday was a day of patience for both us and the athletes. There was no wind at all. We gave them the start but we all struggled together.

With the decision we published in the supplementary sailing instructions, we saved the efforts of both the athletes and the race. We took the finish at Kızıl Ada.

Friday was spent struggling, searching for course setting. As we approached the final warning

signal time, just as we were about to do it the wind turned very shifty and we postponed.

After that, there wasn't much we could do. We abandoned the race.

Overall, it was a good week. I thank our participants, our club, our sponsors, and most of all, my fellow race officers who put in the greatest effort.

ORHAN ÖZDAŞ

(Team Matrak Sailing)

“We experienced a fantastic race week. We were in ORC Class A. 10 boats competed fiercely and we enjoyed it.

Those who made mistakes fell behind. We also finished in the middle due to minor errors.

We will be here again next year.”

OYTUN ÇALIŞLAR

(Team Mersin Yelken Akademisi)

“This week was an integration week full of innovations. It was a wonderful, magnificent, extraordinary organization for Turkish sailing.

I have been participating in these races for 11 years. We can call this year a week where innovations were tested.

The race was managed very well. The organization was excellent with the cooperation of the municipality.

The live broadcast was extraordinary. The commentators' remarks and information content were magnificent.

We saw that a new era has begun. I hope it will go to much better places."

WHEN ALL RACES WERE COMPLETED