The Bodrum Cup: The most exciting days of October

October means "The Bodrum Cup" in Bodrum!

We are talking about the Bodrum Wooden Sailing Boats Race, which has been Bodrum's most spectacular event for 34 years and left its mark on October.

This competition, now known as "The Bodrum Cup," was inspired by a Wooden Sailing Yacht race held annually by the ERA Bodrum Sailing Club. The races, which have evolved over time, have turned into a fantastic organization that, like vintage festivals, celebrates the end of the sea season. The cup's main goal is to improve the sailing knowledge and skills of Bodrum's charter fleet captains and crew. The majority of the wooden boats built in Bodrum did not even have sail equipment when the races first began, but with the start of the Bodrum Cup, the number of sailing boats and sailors increased, and the race became much more interesting.

The race brings excitement to the deep blue waters of Bodrum by allowing Bodrum boats, which normally go on separate trips, to come together in a friendly environment.

Over the last 34 years, many boat owners have taken the races seriously and improved their sailing equipment.

The Bodrum Cup is open to both traditional wooden boats and modern boats. It also gives them the opportunity to compete in various categories.

Since 1989, the Bodrum Cup has been held annually in the third week of October. The cup, which has been held as an independent program within the "Maritime Festival" for the last three years with parties, concerts, and charity sales, is celebrated with festive joy in the marinas and towns along the route. At every break, entertainment and various parties are organized. The excitement is at its peak during the medal ceremonies. The race legs normally take place in Gumusluk, Turgutreis, Didim Marina, and the bays near Bodrum, but Greek islands such as Kalymnos and Kos are occasionally included in the route.

Being the winner of The Bodrum Cup and carrying its crest for a year is a great honor among Bodrum's boat owners and sailors. As a result, the competitions are fierce and exciting. The struggle of sailors testing their sailing equipment in choppy and windy conditions, straining their boats and battling the raging waters is a sight to behold.

The trophy also serves to extend the excursion season by allowing guests to join the competing yachts. Many yachts with Turkish or foreign flags, private or commercial, compete in appropriate categories.

Aside from the excitement of the competition, all participants have fun at the end of each day by mooring their yachts next to each other and sharing their adventures.

The horizon, filled with the sails of Bodrum's massive wooden yacht fleet, creates an image that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

This year's race was once again exciting and enjoyable. We left another Bodrum Cup adventure behind us, full of incredible concerts and joyous events, while the vast blue waters of Bodrum were painted with the dazzling colors of the sails.

See you next year for the 35th edition of The Bodrum Cup...