Winter Season Ends in Çeşme

I'm arriving in Çeşme early in the morning on Friday, May 19th.

My purpose is to update the visuals of Setur Altınyunus Marina while I'm in Çeşme.

DOES THE WIND EVER STOP IN ÇEŞME?

But it's impossible. The wind doesn't drop below 28 knots.

With gusts reaching 35 knots.

You can either fly the drone, or shoot that beautiful place in a storm. The decision is yours.

The wind doesn't stop all day, on the contrary, it's increasing.

EXPERIENCING MAY 19TH IN ÇEŞME

Çeşme is packed on May 19th.

The quay, the markets, the marina.

The wind is blowing relentlessly.

It's like this today, tomorrow will be even worse.

But according to meteorology sites, it appears it will suddenly disappear on Sunday.

I WONDER WHO'S AT THE CLUB

With these thoughts in mind, I'm heading towards the EAYK building.

Registrations are ongoing.

It's like there's a festival. Everyone is joyful.

Those who register sit down to chat.

By evening, 31 boats have registered.

In the 2023 EAYK Winter Trophy, participation this year has generally risen to 45 boats.

We're grateful for this too, and waiting for tomorrow.

MAY 20 SATURDAY

In the early morning hours, the wind is very light, within drone flight limits.

First, yesterday's remaining duties are fulfilled.

Next is the briefing at the club.

The members of this club are among those who flawlessly follow the racing rituals, from my observations.

From registration to the award ceremony, they participate with pleasure.

The briefing is the same.

First, Commodore Akif Sezer begins his speech.

After thanking the sponsors one by one, he announces the events that will follow this trophy.

The club, which doesn't drop permanent anchor in its course, first announces Yeni Foça and then the 100-mile race to İzmir that will take place in the 100th year of the Republic.

Before these races that will continue day and night, a course on Safety of Life at Sea will be given to the members.

It's Chief Umpire Eşref Uzun's turn.

The Chief Umpire first talks about today's harsh weather and tomorrow's uncertainty.

He explains that since there are missing races in the Trophy, if conditions are suitable tomorrow, they will be able to increase the number of races to two for the IRC Classes.

Finally, he explains the routes of today's races, which are certain to take place in harsh weather.

As everyone heads to their boat at the end of the briefing, I'm going to the Kırmızı 1 boat racing in IRC A 2 Class helmed by Ogeday Sunay.

Dear Ogeday says; “The back of the helm is yours, bro, you can work comfortably, enjoy yourself.”

I board the boat with peace of mind.

The boat is 33 feet. In this weather, we have our work cut out for us, well, here's to good fortune.

As we leave the marina, the wind doesn't drop below 20 knots. 

The wind gusts from time to time. Boats trying to set sail under the eaves in front of Çeşme are struggling.

The fenders are already in service from the start. 

Wearing life jackets is mandatory. The committee is constantly announcing.

Wind measurements from different positions by course officials are coming through on VHF 73.

As we slowly enter the course, water enters the boat from the bow and exits to the sea from where I'm positioned.

It's not possible to sit. We'll manage standing up. After all, it's my place.

As the wind blows from the north, cold air is affecting the course meanwhile.

THE BUOYS ARE DRAGGING

Some buoys sweeping is being announced on VHF 73.

Everything becomes clear as we approach the fleet committee area. 

Routes are officially announced.

IRC Boats will race ROUTE 1 from EAYK Routes

Support Classes will race C 1 from EAYK Routes.

As the start time approaches, we see the wind dropping to 14-16 Knots from 350-360 degrees.

At 12:25, the IRC group, which we are also part of, performs their start.

The boats begin racing without any issues in the hard start.

At least 5-6 tacks are necessary until the buoy turn.

The leaders are opening the gap and breaking away from the fleet.

Without any change in wind direction and strength, the buoy turns are completed and spinnakers are deployed.

The competition within the classes themselves is so obvious.

I've always looked at the results of boats where the noise and shouting are loud.

Generally, their rankings don't go parallel with their decibels.

On the contrary, boats where everyone performs their duty silently at their own station in harmony are always in the forefront.

These things come to mind while I'm in the race.

Our team has been racing together for years. And what's more, Murat Taner from the team built the boat.

“Murat, there's a squeaking coming from the helm” they say. 

“I know, no problem, I'll handle it” he responds.

A cheerful crew in perfect harmony.

But I still couldn't sit down.

Photography artist Emre Tazegül, who was doing shoots with the dinghy, viewed the position and sent it.

He laughed a lot, I wish I could laugh too. 

Even when I started writing this, every part of me was aching.(Note: While doing final checks, it's even worse.)

At the end of the first race, I hand over the back of the boat to Ogeday and transfer to the committee boat.

And at the end of the day's first race:

OH THERE IS A WORLD

My dear chair! 

Without ever getting up from it, I'm following the preparations for the 2nd race.

The committee announces that Geographic Route 1 will be sailed for the day's 2nd race for IRC Classes.

Wind continues in the same direction and intensity.

At 14:28, the IRC classes are executing their starts.

The wind is increasing its strength considerably as the fleet approaches the buoy.

The wind knows no limits, blowing stronger and stronger.

The fleet is also benefiting from it.

Everyone is pushing hard in the race since there may be discards from the results.

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

With our sailors joining the crowded Çeşme at night, the hours pass midnight.

Çeşme Marina is experiencing one of its most vibrant evenings for boaters.

MAY 21 SUNDAY

Even before we open our eyes to the day, clouds have already descended upon Çeşme.

A supplementary instruction has been published; the race start for all classes is at 11:00.

No face-to-face briefing. Via WhatsApp at 10:00.

Chief Umpire Eşref Uzun is explaining the day's races and routes.

The fleet, accustomed to the 12:00 PM start in winter trophies, barely makes it to the course on time.

In the first race, I am on the boat ÇAKI, helmed by Akif Sezer.

After yesterday, "Erzurum Yayla".

The wind supposedly wasn't there today. But even though it's not like yesterday, it keeps blowing.

Start procedures begin with the wind at 320 degrees, between 7-10 knots.

IRC classes will race on EAYK Routes, Route A 2.

At 11:10 AM, the IRC Classes execute their starts.

Two of the boats concentrating on the congested side of the start line are Cygnus and Göztepe Yelken Ağanlar 1925 Fodepar.

Gathering is a waste of time in that crowd.

At 11:25, the Support classes are executing their starts.

They will sail Geographic Route 2 from the EAYK Routes.

The race that started well is making many changes in wind strength, although there is no change in wind direction.

From time to time, just when "The wind is gone" is said, it freshens and revives the fleet.

Towards the end of the race, as the intensity decreases, finishes are starting to be taken.

The judges are monitoring the conditions for running another race.

When the finishes are taken;

The committee announces the 2nd race of the day for the IRC Classes when they see that the wind blowing between 4-7 Knots from the same direction does not lose its strength at the buoy positions either.

The same course will be sailed.

At 13:23, the final starting horn of the EAYK Winter Trophy is sounded.

They will compensate for the points, working hard. They have secured their position in the standings, relaxed.

Beautiful spinnakers, collective images dominate the course.

The wind does not reduce its strength and carries the fleet to the finish line with spinnakers.

At the end of the race;

The fleet, exhausted from two days and the entire winter, takes their places at Çeşme Marina as boats are cleaned and prepared to make it to the awards ceremony.

Preparations are complete, interest in the final ceremony is great.

Families have come, friends have not left them alone.

THIS CLUB'S AWARDS CEREMONY IS PRESENTED BY THE COMMODORE

First, the EAYK Winter Trophy 6th Leg awards find their owners.

Then the Trophy awards are presented.

First, the sponsors' prizes;

IRC OVERALL FIRST PLACE FROM ULMANSAILS TURKEY A2 ASYMMETRIC SPINNAKER.

IRC OVERALL SECOND PLACE FROM RAYMARINE CHARTPLOTTER

IRC OVERALL THIRD PLACE FROM EAYK BOAT HAUL-OUT AND ONE WEEK HARDSTAND

And then the Trophy awards find their owners.

With the wind and generally the waves on the course, everything runs smoothly and the participants and supporters of the organization experience the happiness of the finale.

I'm leaving Çeşme with mixed feelings.

Let's see when I'll get together again with these joyful people with seafarer blood.

While transferring the images, checking the notes, I always see smiling, happy eyes.

SERHAT ALTAY

Arkas Blue Moon

"As a crew, we prepared very well for this trophy. We participated completely in this race that started in January.

Even though we couldn't achieve the performance we wanted in some races, we finally got the cup.

We are moving well ahead with the other competing IRC class boats. There is already no problem with support.

The more competition there is, the more participation will increase."

HAKAN YENİGÜN

Göztepe Sailing

"We are very happy to race at home in Izmir. Our boat is in Bodrum but we bring it here for every race.

Challenging races take place on this course. Fair races are held.

We'll be here next year too."