Racing is Just an Excuse, Fun is the Real Deal

Although we wrote the headline this way, it was an event where competition and entertainment went hand in hand.

The Aegean Link Regatta, organized many times before by the Turkish Sailing Federation, Aegean Offshore Yacht Club and Çeşme Marina, and named after Arkas last year, took place this year with the participation of 51 boats.

Between August 29 and September 2, Çeşme Strait experienced colorful days with the event.

The racers first gathered at the opening reception on the evening of August 29 at Çeşme Marina. At this event where the seas awaited them for 4 days, they first enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

At the briefing opening on the morning of August 30, EAYK Commodore Akif Sezer started the Victory Day celebrated with enthusiasm throughout the country with a live performance of the National Anthem here as well.

During this time, as the whistling sound of the wind, occasionally reaching 22 knots, hitting the shrouds accompanied the march, 51 boats tied to the dock, equipped with Turkish Flags and Arkas Pennants, were waiting to set out on the course.

AKİF SEZER

He stated that this has now become a Sailing Festival, as shown by the numbers of 31 IRC and 20 support boats. 

“Every year we are forming a nice fleet by increasing the support class.

There is participation from many places. At the same time, the race can be watched from everywhere in Çeşme.”

CAN AKALTAN

 “We are proud to host this race with the highest participation of 51 entries. Welcome to all of you. 

Our support for this race will continue with increasing strength.”

BERNARD ARKAS

“Thank you for your participation. 

Know that it wouldn't happen without you. 

Let's race but let's not forget to have fun. 

Know that our main purpose is to carry out an event with joy and entertainment.

This race is organized for people, not for boats. Let's race but at the same time let's have fun. Our courses are also very beautiful.”

HAKAN KÜTÜK

“Meteorological forecasts also indicate that the race is feasible. Wind from northerly directions at 18-19 knots. 

The first start will be for the IRC groups. We will set up a wide start line on a wavy course.

We will give the start off Çeşme. 

After rounding an upwind mark at a distance of 1.5-2 miles, rounding Boğaz Island and Fener Island in the Sakız strait to starboard, finish off Sakız Port. 

Approximately 18 nautical miles will be sailed.

We especially want everyone to be safe at the starts.”

After customs procedures, the boats moved to the start line in the Çeşme Strait. The winds that had been blowing for days had raised the waves quite high on the course. 

As the UBS Çeşme-Sakız race start procedures began, ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION's line wrapped around the propeller. At the same time, the rudder cable broke.

The crew managed to free this line from their boat in the rough choppy sea by having a crew member enter the water, and once they also fixed the rudder failure, procedures accelerated.

With the wind blowing from 330 degrees between 16-19 knots, reaching 22 knots in squalls, at 13:53 the start was given to the IRC groups consisting of 31 boats. 

When the wide start line was cut without error, the fleet began to head towards the windward mark. Generally, while the fleet was approaching the mark without breaking apart at first, the battle between COMET A ARKAS and ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION began to unfold. ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION rounded the mark first, followed by COMET A ARKAS and ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION, and sailing with spinnaker towards the islands began.

When the support classes also executed their start at 13.58, Çeşme Strait refreshed that beautiful view with sails once again after a year.

After the island rounding, while the boats were climbing towards the finish line off Sakız Harbor, the wind was slowly starting to lose its initial strength.

ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION was the first to cross the finish line, followed by COMET A ARKAS.

In the UBS Çeşme-Sakız race, as the finishes were recorded and the boats were docking at Sakız Harbor, the Sakız Island Sailors were welcoming the fleet with gifts. It was a very elegant scene.

At the end of the UBS Çeşme-Chios race;

In IRC 0 ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION,

In IRC 1 SHAKER,

In IRC 2 ARNES,

In IRC 3 YUNUS MARIN-CYGNUS

In IRC 4 GOODDAY SUNSHINE,

In IRC 5 FERMER,

In SUPPORT 1 FAGOTTO

In SUPPORT 2 FUNLEMON

In SUPPORT 3 UYSAL MARKET EFE

Were the boats that left their competitors behind.

When customs procedures were completed, the first prize ceremony began at CHANDIRIS HOTEL. 

After the boats that finished first in their classes received their plaques, the day's fatigue was shaken off with beautiful music until late hours.

Friday, August 31st was the event's free day. 

Racers organized trips to different parts of the island, to beaches with special features.

In the morning, Arkas Holding Vice Chairman BERNARD ARKAS made statements to press members about the support they provide to sports as a Holding. 

He announced that they have raised the bar higher for the race we are currently in.

At the briefing held in the evening of the same day, Chief Race Officer Hakan KÜTÜK announced the 2nd and 3rd race routes and provided information.

He explained that they estimate tomorrow's race will be sailed in 9-13 knot winds and provided details of the long course.

On Saturday, September 1st, after customs procedures were completed, the boats headed to the start line offshore.

At this time, the wind was blowing at 8 knots. 

After the start, the fleet would round one windward buoy and finish off BEFORE SUNSET BEACH.

At 13:05, the Support classes executed their start. 

At 13:16, the IRC boats started, but four prominent boats of the fleet, GÖZTEPE YELKEN 1925, ARNES, ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION and COMET A ARKAS were over early. 

After these boats restarted, they began racing toward the windward buoy with the fleet.

When the buoy was rounded and course was set toward Sancak and Fener Islands, the wind gradually began to decrease.

The wind, which didn't suddenly lose its strength, stopped filling the spinnakers in the areas where the fleet leaders were.

The jury, reading the situation very well, announced the course shortening without delay.

The finish will be taken off Fener Island.

Will be taken, but here the wind is literally "0".

We're holding at the finish line, the southerly gentle current is drifting us north. What will the boats do? 

What if the wind shifts to southwesterly?

GÖZTEPE YELKEN 1925,  ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION and COMET A ARKAS going back and forth. 

It seems impossible for them to cross the finish line.

Meanwhile, at the back, the wind is blowing slightly and bringing those behind closer to those waiting in front of the finish gate.

This must be Poseidon's justice. 

Poseidon apparently heard the organization's slogan. 

They said "The Sea and Wind are Calling You".  

And he says "Why this invitation without asking me?"

Anyway, the approaching wind, including those waiting, only ensures a feeble, lackluster finish takes place.

But it starts to mess up the results.

At the end of the 2nd Race of the event;

In IRC 0 GÖZTEPE YELKEN 1925,

In IRC 1 SHAKER,

In IRC 2 ARNES,

In IRC 3 YUNUS MARIN-CYGNUS

In IRC 4 YEDİÇERİLER,

In IRC 5 FERMER,

In SUPPORT 1 FAGOTTO

FUNLEMON in SUPPORT 2

PORTO NOVO in SUPPORT 3

They were the boats leaving their competitors behind.

On Sunday, SEPTEMBER 2, Ilıca Bay would come alive and the fleet would flow towards Çeşme.

And so it did.

With the wind only allowing for starts, the finishes took place in front of Çeşme Beaches.

On Sunday, those looking at the bay from houses, beaches, and hotels were greeted with colorful spinnakers.

While the organization achieved its visual purpose with this tableau, the footage from particularly brave drone pilots was being reflected on screens.

As the fleet set course for Çeşme shallows, the wind was beginning to strengthen.

However, while rounding Alev Island, the spinnakers were filling and collapsing intermittently.

The seagulls on the island were taking flight and landing back on the island alternately.

As finishes were being recorded off Çeşme, the spinnakers were fully filled, as if the fleet wanted to make it to the closing ceremony, to the awards ceremony.

At the magnificent closing ceremony held at BEFORE SUNSET BEACH in the evening, first the awards found their owners.

Following the 3 races held, the group winners were;

In IRC 0 ANYTHING/DERE CONSTRUCTION,

In IRC 1 SHAKER,

In IRC 2 ARNES,

In IRC 3 YUNUS MARIN-CYGNUS

In IRC 4 YEDİÇERİLER,

In IRC 5 FERMER,

In SUPPORT 1 FAGOTTO

In SUPPORT 2 FUNLEMON

In SUPPORT 3 UYSAL MARKET EFE

The most interesting result emerged in OVERALL;

The ranking of those who carried the regatta with consistent competition beyond predictions and expectations;

1 ) ARNES (IRC2)

2) GÖZTEPE YELKEN 1925 (IRC 0)

3) LADIES FIRST (IRC 2)

Thus ARNES became this year's owner of the Traditional Cup

Yes, after long preparations, while 51 boats and around 500 athletes enlivened the Çeşme-Chios seas, an unforgettable event came to an end with their attitude of never letting go of the flag of competition under the conditions.

If there were 2 more organizations providing such unconditional support to sports and sailing, where would this sailing sport reach in our country, what would it do in the world...

Even the dream is beautiful.

Well done to those who think, those who implement, those who roll up their sleeves, and those who participate.