AS IF IT'S NOT WINTER BUT SUMMER TROPHY

I’m arriving in Marmaris with the joy of reaching the sixteenth edition of this trophy that I’ve been following since the very first day.

There’s no trace of the cold, rainy, stormy weather that dominates the first two legs, even the third leg, every year in Marmaris.

My arrival coincides with the day the news "Rains have filled the reservoirs" was published.

Tables on the beaches, people wearing very light clothes.

We’ve missed this atmosphere. An ambiance where we can almost say “Summer has begun” prevails in this region.

A weekend like medicine for those like us, coming from the cold and rain.

Meteorology websites have been showing the race days like this for a week.

We’ll be subject to sunny, warm, late-arriving winds that are not harsh.

18 February Saturday

We’re coming from the bright Marmaris quay to the club building in the morning.

Marmaris municipality has once again opened its arms to the racing boats, preparations are underway.

FIRST WHISTLE

Activity at the club is at its peak. The first leg of the trophy, the first day.p>

At 10:00, Chief Race Officer Ezgi Kalaycı blows the first whistle for the briefing.

First, she introduces the team that will be together for 6 legs. Then she explains

what needs to be on the boats during the trophy.

She also emphasizes the important points from what is written in the notices and sailing instructions.

“18 races are planned in 6 legs. If 18 races are completed, 3 races will be discarded and evaluation will be based on 15 races. 

If 17 races are completed, 2 races will be discarded. If 16 or fewer races are completed, there will be no discards.

Throughout the Trophy, the first start will be given to ORC A and B, the 2nd start to ORC C and D.

In all legs, no warning signal will be given after 2 hours before sunset.

Same for the courses. 

I wish for a great trophy.”

At the end of the briefing, teams head to their boats and the course. The first planned start is at 12:00.

CLASSIC MARMARIS GEOGRAPHY

When we arrived at the course at 11:30, we saw 1 Committee boat and 26 racing boats waiting for wind. Classic Marmaris geography.

The Committee is taking measurements in all areas. The results are not sufficient to start the race.

Some wind is visible in positions close to the northern shores of the course. Boats wanting to open their spinnakers in those areas are going and practicing.

The wind showing itself in some areas doesn't have the strength to cover the entire course.

It's 13:45 and still no wind. Measurements at different positions don't exceed 6 knots. And even that is not sustainable.

WAITING FOR WIND ON THE FIRST DAY

Just as this long wait on the very first day is dampening morale, at 14:10, with wind blowing from 270 degrees at 6-7 knots, the first race of the trophy is announced. 

The course is Route 5 from Miyc routes.

ORC A and B cross the first start line at 14:25.p>

The wind at that moment increases to 9 knots.

At 14:31, the starts for ORC C and D take place.

The entire fleet is on the course, racing.

There is no decrease in the wind, on the contrary, it's increasing. At the buoy turns it reaches 12 knots.

FIRST SPINNAKER OPENINGS?

As the wind increases, some boats arriving at the buoy turns with spinnakers are experiencing difficult moments.

Gradually, the competition within the classes is becoming neck and neck, visible from the very first race.

At 15:11, in the ORC A class, VAKKORAMA, BOREAS and FARRAWAY MIKNATIS YACHTING  cross the finish line first, followed by the entire fleet.

When the entire fleet completes their finishes with the sustained wind;

The eyes of the boats crossing the finish line are on the flag on the committee boat. No return to the marina, it is announced that another race will be held immediately.

The wind is blowing from 280 degrees at 7-10 knots, the course is the same, ready. 

GENERAL RECALL

The first start is given to ORC A-B but almost all boats have crossed the start line early: General recall!

At 16:02, ORC C-D complete their start.

At 16:08, ORC A-B are on the course.

With the fast boats making their second start, the course becomes increasingly colorful.

There is no change in the direction and intensity of the wind.

First races are about trial and error, testing, getting to know the opponent, but in the second race, the teams are already in a relentless battle.

NONE LEFT BEHIND

We are not witnessing anyone falling behind and breaking away from their class.

When the second race of the day is completed;

In the evening, there is the first leg dinner of the trophy at the club.

All teams are there in full attendance. The evening, which starts with the welcoming speech of Miyc President Zafer Onur, continues until late hours.

January 19, SUNDAY

Marmaris is the same Marmaris again, warm, sunny, colorful and windless as every morning.

When we head out to the race course, the committee boat and the entire fleet have come to the outer harbor entrance.

ATTENTION; COMMITTEE IS LOOKING FOR GEOGRAPHICAL

Apparently, the committee is searching geographically. But the wind is playing games.

We're hearing all measurements over the radio, low.

Meanwhile, there are sunbathers and those working at the top of the mast.

EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN WAY OF WAITING FOR WIND

Everyone's way of waiting for the wind is different.

The wind shows itself from time to time at different spots in the inner harbor.

Then it moves to another location.

BEING A RACE OFFICER IS NOT EASY

Being a race officer is not easy, try to figure it out.

This atmosphere continues until 13:20 and finally, just as the wind is settling, Principal Race Officer Ezgi Kalaycı’s voice comes over VHF 71.

Course 1E from the Miyc courses will be sailed.

The fleet will pass in front of İçmeler, round Kargataşı Adası outside, and finish in the inner harbor.

EXAM DAY, EXAM RACE

The fleet seems unaware that it's about to face an exam on this course. Changing wind strength, different directions according to positions, burnt areas…

All of it will come up in this exam.

With wind blowing from 260 degrees at 6-8 knots, ORC A-B classes execute the first start at 13:43.

Then at 13:49, ORC C-D classes are on the course.

SHALL WE GO COAST TO COAST?

Boats heading for the turning buoy close to shore are able to use the wind better as they approach the coast.

The entire fleet is advancing on the path opened by the leaders. Almost in single file.

Once İçmeler is passed, the leaders start flowing towards the outer harbor with opened spinnakers.

Those behind the leaders are not as lucky with the wind direction as they are.

THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS

Collapsing spinnakers, confused boats, mirror-like shining sea surface.

No, no.

NO WIND IN THE MIDDLE, PASS FROM THE SIDE

Those who venture into the outer harbor are divided into two. There's no wind in the middle. Either push your luck from the shore or from the open sea.

One side, then the other side offers a chance.

NO PASSING IN FRONT OF THE ORANGE

But then comes such a moment that Poseidon seems to say “You cannot pass in front of the orange” as the boats get stuck.

At 15:04 the committee announces that the race time has been extended by 1 hour for all classes.

START WITHOUT REFEREE, WITHOUT BOAT

When Poseidon hearing this gives up his stubbornness, another start takes place without referee or boat.

We are waiting for the fleet at Karga Taşı Island which is to be rounded.

VAKKORAMA rounds the island first slowly, followed by other boats.

THE SPINNAKERS ARE FILLED AT LAST

On the return, the spinnakers deployed are gradually bringing the fleet to the finish.

The wind is neither increasing nor decreasing.

As the sun begins to set, the fleet approaches the finish line with silhouettes on the horizon.

When the third race of the first leg is completed;

Finishes are taken and boats are heading towards the marinas. Berthing and securing vessels happen like fast-forward footage. 

Everyone still has somewhere to go.

Marmaris, which hosted the racers in a sunny, warm environment, let's see what it will bring during the 2nd Leg of the Miyc Winter Trophy on February 8-9.